Jay Wieland

Jay D Wieland’s Obituary

Though many of us here never had the opportunity to meet Jay in person, through the stories shared by those who loved him, it’s clear he was someone extraordinary. Jay was born on the family farm in Regent North Dakota. He was a man who faced significant challenges from a young age. He lost his father, when he was just 8 years old, and his mother, by the time he was 16. Despite these hardships, he forged his own path, enlisting in the Navy without the opportunity for a college education.

It was during his time stationed at NAS Lemoore in California that he met his wife, Robyn, what can only be described as a whirlwind romance-they married just two weeks after meeting. When his service in the Navy ended, Jay moved his family to North Dakota, where he had grown up and saw the potential for a better future. He built a successful career and life, first working in a power plant for 20 years, and then at the Dakota Gasification Company, where he spent another two decades before retiring. Jay took great pride in all that he accomplished, particularly because he did so without the benefit of a formal education.

What really stood out a bout Jay, though, was his ability to connect with people. He was the kind of person who never met a stranger. Whether it was a neighbor, coworkers, or members of his church, Jay always found a way to strike up a conversation. He had a unique gift for making people feel seen, and he could lift your spirits, even on your toughest days, with a quick joke or a warm smile.

Jay also had a deep love for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but it wasn’t about trophies for him-it about food for his family and finding peace in nature. He especially loved the more rugged landscapes, as they offered him time for quiet reflection.

At the heart of Jay’s life was his family. He often said that leaving North Dakota to join the Navy was a decision led by fate, because it brought him to California, where he met his soulmate, Robyn. Together, they were married for 47 years and built a life filled with love, raising three children-Spring, Bridget and Michael. He was a dedicated husband, father, and later, grandfather, who always made sure his family knew how much they meant to him.

Faith was also a key part of Jay’s life. Though raised in the Lutheran tradition, Jay was always open to learning more. He welcomed missionaries into his home, shared meals with them, and eventually found the faith he had been searching for. In 2012, Jay joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and two years later, he and Robyn were sealed in the Bismarck North Dakota Temple. This was a particularly meaningful milestone for him, as it came just before his birthday, a moment he cherished deeply.

Jay’s love for the gospel, his strong faith in Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ, and his desire to share that faith with others became a cornerstone of his life. He would bear his testimony to anyone willing to listen, always eager to share the peace and fulfilment he had found.

Jay’s journey came to an end on September 28, 2024 but his memory lives on. He was the kind of person who left a lasting impression-always ready to lend a hand, offer a kind work, or welcome someone in need into his home. His love for his family and his big-hearted generosity touched many lives, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him, whether for a lifetime or a brief moment.

Jay may no longer be with us in body, but the love he gave, the kindness he showed, and the example he set will remain with us forever.

Jay is survived by his wife, children, one brother, one sister, 5 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He is proceeded in death by his father Ernest, mother Mildred, brother Gayle, grandparents and several aunts and uncles

Services will be held on October 12th, 2024 at 10am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. 9541 E. Snyder Rd., Tucson, AZ 85749.