Like so many others, I don't know what to say, other than the loss of Gauge at such a young age rocked me to the core. Although I coached him in football and track, I remember much more than his accomplishments as an athlete. I remember our conversations about cars, motorcycles, music, tattoos, and Johnny Cash. I will always remember his distinct voice asking me how my day was going. Of course he was an outstanding athlete, but I remember one conversation we had where he was sitting on the bench at practice, and looked kind of down; when I asked him what was wrong, he said "I could be working on my car right now." My condolences to you Sonya, Clint, and Kassi. May he rest in peace.
Bruce Vertanen

Sonya, Clint and Kassi, we smile when we think of your beloved Gauge. He had a gentle way with him, a sensitive soul. He is clearly loved by so many. Many hugs for you Jackie, Brent and Bryan Shanks

Sonja, Kassi, and Clint,
I've been struggling to find the words to give you any type of comfort whatsoever. At the celebration of life as I watched and listened, it was very clear to me right away how many lives Gauge touched…hundreds of lives. I hope that gives you some comfort. I'm very saddened I wasn't closer with my nephew and will have to live with that. But it makes me happy to see how so many people were close to him and how much of an impact he had on everyone. Very few people have that kind of an impact. He was an amazing soul raised by two parents who taught him some of the best qualities and character. Especially how important it was for him to be a good friend and to embrace everyone who walked into his life. Going forward, we should all take a page from Gauge's book. I know I plan to.
~Alyssa

Bud and I wish to extend our condolences. There are no words that we know of which might help heal the pain you are going through now. We will pray for God to never leave your side. If Bud and I can help, Clint, you know where to find us. Robin said Scott Yager has Gauge with him. …so…no worries. ❤️

Gauge was my tattoo artist for 2 ½ years. Gauge gave me some of my favorite ink and gave me and my beat friend tattoos we will cherish forever. I may have only known gauge for a short amount of time, but a connection was made between client and artist. He truly was a beautiful soul. I'm gonna miss your laugh and how your eyes lit up every time you talk about something you loved. Thanks for giving me memories I'll never forget. To gauges family, he truly was an amazing soul and was taken from this world far too soon. You have my condolences. ~ Emily Heldt

Rest in peace . May God be on the scene for the family in this sad time . Losing a child or or grandchild or a sibling is so very very difficult .

he gave me my last tattoo he was so nice i will miss him for my tattoos fly high

Gauge Laurence Sletten is not blood,but he is in my heart along with his family. I love you all.

We are so so sorry to read of Guage's death. It seems like not so long ago that he and Dakota were little guys playing in the neighborhood. Losing a child is a life altering event that one never really recovers from, you go on as a different person. Just know that people are thinking of you and sending support. Sincerely, Marty and Marsha Miller

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Gauge. I remember him as an adorable little skateboarder. My heart breaks for you and my prayers are with you. 💔

Kassi and family,
There are no words that really bring comfort at a time like this, but please remember the love and joy that he brought into your lives and know that it will continue with you forever. My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Caren Johnson

Please accept our sincere condolences upon the loss of your beloved son, Gauge. I am heartbroken that you and your family must take this heartbreaking journey. Clint, you have always been so special to everyone you knew back here in Colona/East Moline. I send my sympathies to Sonja as well. Aimee and I always followed your business success as well and were so excited about your and Gauge working together. God bless Gauge and hugs to you all. Carol Ann Gellerman

Kassi and family,
I’m very sorry to hear this news and sorry for your loss. Please accept my deepest condolences.

Hotrod and family: SO sorry to hear this news. Our heart breaks for your family.

I am completely gutted that her lost Gauge so much so that when I saw this my who time at work I was trying do hard not to cry and just scream. He was just the best person that I’ve ever know and it felt like the world stopped when somone on my page shared this. He will sorely be missed😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

We have no words to tell you how very very sorry and shocked we were to hear of Gauge’s sudden passing.
He was not only a talented artist but a friend to so many. Grayson adored him and looked up to him as a mentor and best friend. This will be very difficult to recover from for all of you and especially those closest to him. While we mourn his passing we are so grateful for the time he was here.
God bless you all,
Don and Dee Miller (Grayson’s grandparents)

Thoughts and prayers for the family. Gauge went to school with and was a friend of our son Corey. He was a very talented and vibrant young man who was on his way to take his talent far like his dad. Our heart goes out to the family for the loss of someone so young. He will be missed by all.
-The Gibson Family

I will never forget my first time meeting Gauge, at the Ames Ice rink close to 10 years ago. Within the last year, he was able to leave his own beautiful mark on my family, as he illustrated a memorial tattoo in honor of my brother, who passed from suicide last year. Lots of love and heartbreak from our family to yours. Gauge's sense of humor was like no other.