Jay Jennison
September 1, 1970 ~ June 14, 2014
Jay R. Jennison, 43, Fargo, ND passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014 at the University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis after a 10 month battle with heart failure. He was born on September 1, 1970 in Wausau, WI to James and Gale (Manecke) Jennison. He grew up and attended school in Wisconsin, graduating from D.C. Everest High School in 1988. Following high school, he attended Rainy Lake Community College in International Falls, MN and later MSUM.
Jay worked at the Days Inn in West Fargo where he met his wife, Michelle Kerzman. They were married on May 1, 1999 at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Fargo. The couple made their home in Fargo where they raised their daughter, Brooke.
Jay was employed at Radiographic Technologies Inc. as a service technician for the last 16 years, until his illness. In addition to his work at RTI, he also dealt blackjack for Red River Human Services Foundation.
Jay worked hard and played harder. He was an avid outdoorsman, greatly enjoying time spent hunting, fishing, and golfing. He loved going on adventures with his wife and exploring the world with his daughter. As the defending champion of the BBB Triathlon, he proudly displayed the trophy showing off his excellence in birdies, bowling, and blackjack.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Michelle; daughter, Brooke; his father, James (Barbara) Jennison; mother, Gale (Terry) Stone; sisters, Jami (Joe Mershon) Traska and Jill (Tim) Bolduc; step-brother, Scott Perkins; step-sisters, Sarah (Ken) Maciaz, and Shelley (Ryan) Wucherer; brother-in-law, Michael Kerzman; favorite mother-in-law, Patricia Kerzman; and many other relatives and friends.
View current weather.
Memories Timeline
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Wausau Jim, Barb and family.
We are very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time.
Bob and Sue
MJ- I once told Jay he must have the patience of Job but I didn’t realize he had the strength of a lion. He fought one heck of a battle. I’m thinking of you today.
Wausau WiOur deepest sympathy on Jay’s death. I have fond memories of having Jay in confirmation classes. Students were to look up the meaning of their names. Jay was so proud that his name meant “lively son”! “That’s me!” he proclaimed jubilantly. I am certain that he is claiming the promise of his faith as a “lively son” of God.
Ours thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Wausau WIGale,
So Sorry to hear of the passing of your son Jay. Think of you often. My prayers and spirit are with you at this time of sorrow.
Love
Ila
Minneapolis MN
My thoughts and prayers are with Jay’s family, friends and loved ones during this time.
Glyndon MnWhile this is very painful for you, Brooke and family more than others will ever understand. I am happy Jay had a great wife, daughter, family and friends. Jay’s battle is done. No more pain and suffering. He is at peace and able to rest now. His battle was courageous.
West Fargo ND
Michelle,
I am so sorry for your loss. I kept hoping for recovery, but I guess that was not meant to be. You are a wonderful person and I know that God will see you through this difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers,
Linda Withey
schofield wiMy deepest sympathy for your loss of Jay. I babysat for him and his sisters years ago on the southeast side of Wausau as we all lived in the neighborhood, such a cute little boy. I have not seen him in years. I am truly sorry for your loss and I will keep you all in my prayers.
WAUSAU WisconsinJim, so sorry to hear of the loss of your son. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Rheta and Bob Utech
I was very suprised to her of Jay’s passing and many of my colleagues here in Park Rapids want to express our deepest sympathies to the family. We knew Jay as a fun loving guy that was very easy to work with. Upbeat and just a great all around guy.
Fargo ND
My heart, love, and prayers go out to Michelle, Brooke, and Jay’s family! May you find peace knowing that Jay is no longer suffering and is in God’s loving care! Treasure all the memories and know that Jay is still looking over you! Blessings and peace to all of you!
Love, Clarice
Rothschild WIThoughts and prayers to Jay’s family. Friends from Wisconsin are thinking of you. Liz Schneider
Hazelton ND
Michelle & Brooke, It is so hard to lose a best friend and dad. I pray that God continues to bless both of you with good health and happiness! This bible passage has helped me through the years
Psalm 121. My thoughts and prayers are with you both !
Deanna
West Fargo Michele and Brooke,
I am so very sorry to hear about Jay. I know how you feel. He passed on the same day my Mother died. June 14,2009.Dad passed on March 2,2013. He was 98. I never knew my heart could hurt so bad. Please know that I am thinking of you and am sharing your pain. I talked to my parents every day- its the only way I can keep my sanity.
Your ex co-worker and very good friend. Meredith
My condolences to your family. Michelle, you and Brooke have been on my mind and in my prayers over the past several months. You have been so strong through all the ups and downs. We are all here for you.
Fargo North Dakota
Jay will be remembered by a lot of family and friends. He was one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure to know. The love he had for Michelle and Brooke was inspiring. Rest in peace free from pain and suffering.
West Fargo North Dakota
Michelle, Brooke and family——-Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. Our hearts are heavy but know that Jay is no longer suffering and is at home with the Lord.
Remember and cherish all the wonderful days/years You had together. Those memories can never be taken away.
I’m so sorry for your loss. I knew Jay only a bit in HS, remembering him as a really friendly, gentle souled person.
My best for you all, his daughter and wife and everyone who knew him.
West Fargo North Dakota
May God be with your family at this time of loss. Ill remember you in my prayers and thoughts. Your a strong young woman. Your family will be there for you and alot of friends. Jay was a great guy and he is now watching over you and your daughter. He is that bright star in the sky to guide you in your future. May God bless you. Love Jodi Erbstoesser Smith.
My condolences to Jay’s family. He will be missed at RRHSF. He always had a smile, and a story. We miss him.
Michelle Brooke Michael and Patty. Please know that I would be there if I could. We will meet when I return to ND
. My thoughts and prayers continue to be with all of you and the Jennison/Kerzman families.