Jay W. Midtlyng, the much-loved patriarch of our family, passed away peacefully the evening of May 24, 2019, at St. Peter’s Health in Helena, Montana at the age of 90.
Jay was born in Two Harbors, Minnesota, received his undergraduate degree from the University of Minnesota, and received the first of his two Master’s degrees from Chicago Teachers’ College. He enjoyed a long career teaching high school biology in Dolton, Illinois, and retired in 1985.
After retirement, Jay and his wife Barbara moved to their house on the lake in Cherokee Village, Arkansas, where they enjoyed many happy years. Jay was an avid gardener, played coronet on occasion with a group, was active in his church community, including choir, enjoyed golf and was a member of the local Kiwanis, and past member of Lions Clubs International and Sons of Norway. Jay and Barbara travelled extensively and enjoyed the trips to see their grandchildren immensely.
When Barbara passed away in 2015, Jay relocated to Helena to be near family and was a member of the Touchmark Community, where he lived until his death. Jay was a member of Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church.
Jay is survived by his sons, Norman (Karen) Midtlyng of Helena, and David (Mary Kay) of West Des Moines, Iowa. He is also survived by the apples of his eye, grandchildren Patrick (Erin) Midtlyng, Jayme (Luke) Johnson, Ryan (Hollie) Midtlyng, Eric (Rebecca Goe) Midtlyng, and Kiel (Nicole) Midtlyng. Jay was blessed with 7 great grandchildren (Evelyn, Evan, Asher, Anders, Tessa, Darrow, and Linnea), all of whom he met!
The family extends its thanks to Compassus Hospice for their loving care of Dad in his journey, and to the friends and staff at Touchmark.
A memorial service celebrating Jay’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 27th at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Ave. in Helena with a luncheon to follow in the social hall of the church. Interment will follow the luncheon at Forestvale Cemetery in Helena.
Please visit below to offer a condolence or share a memory of Jay.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Saturday July 27, 2019
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
Following the memorial service
Saturday July 27, 2019
Social hall of the church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the luncheon
Saturday July 27, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11 a.m.
Saturday July 27, 2019
Our Redeemers Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Luncheon
Following the memorial service
Saturday July 27, 2019
Social hall of the church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59601
Interment
Following the luncheon
Saturday July 27, 2019
Forestvale Cemetery
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Luanne Romasko says
Our thoughts are with all the Midtlyngs.
Lynn and Annette Wakefield says
We had the pleasure of sharing meals with Jay when we lived at Touchmark. I had known Jay for several years as a fellow member of Our Redeemer’s. We enjoyed his company so much. He had the best smile and was always pleasant and soft spoken. He played Pinochle very well. Jay was a fine man and he will be sorely missed. To you, Norm, Karen and all your family, we extend our sincerest condolences. Lynn and Annette Wakefield
Marna Bauer says
I taught with Barb and Jay. They retired and we shared letters about our children and grandchildren. Barb would tell me about the trips they took. I lost my husband with Alzheimer’s. They were there for me with prayers and comfort.
I was so happy when Jay went to live near his sons. I phoned him many times to hear what was happening with him. He shared his fishing trip, family events, etc. I loved the two of them. I was truly blessed to have them In my life for years. My condolences to the family. Marna Bauer, Thornridge High School (retired)
DORELLE ACKERMANN says
My condolences to the entire family. Jay was my mentor when I first started teaching at Thornridge in 1983. I remember all the rodents he had donated to the Biology department and how the students loved seeing them one day a year when we studied classification. The boys didn’t always show “respect” for the little critters and sometimes chased the young ladies wearing a 3 inch mole like a raccoon hat. Clearly, I did not have quite as good discipline in my class as Jay had.
Tom Midtlyng says
Tom Midtlyng says
My thoughts and prayers are with Norm
And his family. After talking to Norm
Last spring and planning a Montana
Trip to meet Jay it seems I waited too
Long. Jay was my dad’s generation and
The Minnesota connection (Bimiji,Elmdale.)