Roseau – Jay Engelsrud, 50, of Roseau, formerly of Newfolden, passed away peacefully Thursday, June 10, 2021 at Roseau LifeCare Medical Center.
Jay Allen Engelsrud was born June 29, 1970 in Thief River Falls, the son of James and Leola (Chapman) Engelsrud. He was baptized at Northwestern Hospital by Pastor Rodney Stueland on June 30, 1970. One week later, Jay was transported to Gillette Children’s Hospital in St. Paul, where he received one of the first successful shunt surgeries.
In 1975, Jay moved to REM Roseau due to his developmental disabilities where he was welcomed by staff member, Janet Hulst. It was here where Jay spent the remainder of his life. Throughout the years, Jay was well cared for and loved by the many staff members of REM Roseau. After taking Jay to his haircuts, Dairy Queen treats followed. He also loved sweets, especially animal crackers.
He enjoyed attending the Roseau County Fair, listening to music and church services with his headphones on, and he especially enjoyed attending family gatherings, including graduations and weddings. Other than the headphones, Jay did not like a cap or anything on his head and would brush it off immediately.
Jay’s caregivers, Janet Hulst and Debbie Holcomb, were by his side at the time of Jay’s death.
Survivors include his mother, Leola Engelsrud of Newfolden; siblings, Lori (Scott) Colling of Arlington, Sarah (Kyle) Lefebvre of Newfolden and Kevin Engelsrud of Newfolden; nieces & nephews, Emily (Andrew) Wollum, Nathan Colling, Anna Colling, Megan Lefebvre, Connor Lefebvre and Evan Lefebvre; great-nieces, Sloan and Talia Wollum; grandmother, Darleen (Bengtson) Chapman of Newfolden; aunts and uncles, Verna Elseth, LuAnn and Roger Broderson, DeVere and Jackie Chapman, and DeAnna Anderson; many cousins; and staff and residents at REM Roseau.
He is preceded in death by his father, James, in 2013; brother, Jon, in 1977; paternal grandparents, Conrad & Anna (Haugen) Engelsrud; maternal grandfather, Raymond “Ray” Chapman; uncles and aunt, Harlan Engelsrud, Harlin Elseth, LeRoy Engelsrud, and Avis and Howard Hoium.
The service to celebrate Jay’s life was held at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 14, 2021 at Bethania Free Lutheran Church, rural Newfolden, with Rev. Dennis Gray and Rev. Kevin Hall officiating. Burial followed in the church cemetery. Visitation was held one hour prior to the service.
Condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com.
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Jay Engelsrud, 50
