Jaeger Edward Seastrand

Jaeger Edward Seastrand

July 27, 2002 - January 22, 2024

Our cherished son, Jaeger Edward Seastrand, died in a tragic motorcycle accident on January 22, 2024.  He was just entering the early stages of his adult life with much to live for and great plans for the future.  As his adopted parents, we are deeply grateful for the precious time we got to raise, love, laugh, feed, teach and learn from him.  He had a charming sense of humor, a bright, consistent smile, and sparkling eyes that were filled with light.  So many people came to love and nurture him and their influence is immensely appreciated.

Jaeger was born on July 27, 2002, in Great Falls, Montana to Kristi Wilbur and Jeremy Greever. He lived in many places with several families that cared for his sister, Bella, and him. Their relationship was profound as they looked out for each other’s welfare and well-being. They remained close throughout their lives.

In July 2009, just prior to his seventh birthday, Jaeger and Bella were adopted by Mark and Shelly Seastrand. When they announced the adoption Bella was excited, and Jaeger a bit uncertain but agreed with his sister.  To begin building this new family unit, they immediately took the first of many trips to Park City.  From this first trip it was clear that there would be many fun times along with challenges, and “now what’s.”  It was with the support of many additional family members, friends, neighbors, church leaders, teachers, coaches and counselors that Jaeger began to realize his potential.  These individuals were champions who showed such kindness, patience and love, who made an indelible difference in his development and growth.

The rigors and structure of school were challenging to Jaeger. He was a young boy with high energy who needed to keep active.  He loved recess, playing games, and lunch and did his best to meet academic requirements. Jaeger was not one for the spotlight, but it shone frequently on him due to his quick wit and humor. Although he was quite shy, he was always a good sport about participating. This included awkward dancing, creative cooking (lasagna pizza), science projects (solar energy), dressing as King Arthur, and serving as Principal for a Day. He was in and out of various secondary schools, finding the things he loved, and bearing the things he didn’t. But, in the end, he made it work.

To say Jaeger enjoyed working with his hands and figuring things out would be an understatement. He loved to take things apart and put them back together (as close as possible). His enthusiasm for Legos, paper airplanes, pinewood derby cars, rocket kits, BB guns, drones and fireworks was exceptional. Christmas day was particularly exciting when he received a new project that required assembly, making sure dad was an observer and not a participant builder.

Because of his active nature, sports had a certain appeal. Once, while playing soccer as the goalie, he was able to kick the ball the length of the field and almost score a goal. He enjoyed basketball, swimming, and like most active boys, riding his bicycle and scooter. In addition to sports, Jaeger loved the outdoors. Time at his family cabin provided opportunities to ride snowmobiles, 4-wheeler ATVs, and old Honda 90s. It was at the cabin where he would enjoy family games, play pinball, watch late-night movies, spot deer, chase wild turkeys and study the night stars; all while enjoying the family’s close friends, the Palmers.

Traveling was a big part of the family experience. Jaeger loved airplanes and flying. Family trips included destinations like Williamsburg, Washington DC, Las Vegas, Florida, California, Wyoming, and so many points in between. He explored most parts of Utah, hiking, camping and a two-month wilderness program. Because of his many adventures, he has held an alligator and python, searched for fossils and gemstones, repelled cliffs, and hiked many a steep trail. He planned to use his passport to continue his passion for adventure and exploration in foreign countries.

Jaeger had an uncommon work ethic. It was not unusual for him to have two jobs. He began his paid work experience as a teenager at the Mega-Plex theater and also worked at Wiggy Wash and Western Building Group. He was anxious to purchase his first car, a Honda Civic. Having a vehicle allowed him to expand his job search and he settled in Twin Falls, Idaho at the Agropro Cheese factory.  It was this experience being away from his family and friends that he realized how much they meant to him and determined to move home. Upon his return, he secured work with Winner Aviation in Provo and All Pro Security as a security guard.  In his limited spare time, he worked on various projects with his cousin Chris.  His good nature endeared him to those with whom he worked and many work colleagues became good friends.

The allure of a motorcycle beckoned, and he bought one upon his return to Utah. He took classes to learn to ride.  Despite his parents’ multiple requests to sell his bike and leave biking, he would not be deterred from his passion. He experienced an accident a year ago with minor injuries and noted that he had learned a lot about avoiding future accidents.  He noted to his father that given the struggles that he often dealt with, it was while he was on his motorcycle with his friends that he felt truly happy and free. Unfortunately, despite his care, experience, and training, his life was cut short due to a heartbreaking accident.

If only there could be one more weekend with Jaeger, there would be some rides at Lagoon, a big campfire in the mountains, a burger with dad, a back-scratch with mom, a giant hug with grandma, a game night with his sister’s family, a tight squeeze and kiss with his niece, a bike ride on the open road with friends, a funny movie night with the Palmers, and a fireworks show with the neighbors. The memories of these extraordinary events will have to do for now. Jaeger, you are profoundly missed and loved.  We wish you well as you begin the next phase of your journey.

Jaeger is survived by his parents, Mark and Shelly Seastrand, his sister Bella (Kade) DeJel, niece Aspyn DeJel, Grandmother Dorothy Seastrand, and numerous relatives, both biological and adopted.  

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2024, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 400 West 1800 South, Orem, Utah. Viewings for family and friends will be held from 6-8 p.m. Friday, February 2 at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary, 495 South State Street, Orem, Utah, and from 10-11:30 a.m. Saturday, prior to the services at the church. Burial will be in the American Fork City Cemetery.

Condolences may be expressed to the family on this page.

For those unable to attend in person, you may view the Services HERE