Jay Ehrmantraut

Jay Arlen Ehrmantraut, 89, Bismarck, ND, passed away May 28, 2023.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM, Saturday, June 3, at McCabe United Methodist Church, 1030 N 6th St, Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM, on Friday, June 2, at Eastgate Funeral Service, 2302 E Divide Ave, Bismarck.

Jay was born May 1, 1934, in Bismarck, ND.  He lived in Bismarck his entire life, except for his time in the military and three years in Wisconsin.  Jay graduated from Bismarck High School in 1952 and enlisted in the Army in 1954.  After his honorable discharge, Jay co-owned the C&J company then worked for US Gypsum selling sheetrock. Until his retirement at the age of 80, he spent 42 years selling flooring for Cole Paper Company (formerly Fargo Paper Company).  Part of why he loved his work was because of the relationships he developed with his customers.

Jay married Alfhild (Al) Swanson in Taylor, ND on June 25, 1959. 

Jay loved his family, friends, and his work.  He loved to be anywhere Al was.  Jay and Al could be typically found at kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids games, activities, programs, and other milestone events.   For decades, Jay and Al loved to spend time with family and friends at Lake Tschida and Lake Ashtabula, where he waterskied well into his 70’s.  Jay loved to play, sing, and entertain with the player piano.  He played various horns, was a drum major for the Elks band, and he played the bag pipes during and after his time in the army.  Jay was a life-long, active member of McCabe United Methodist Church where he worshiped, served on boards, and washed the dishes.  While Jay was comfortable leading a board (ex: Bismarck Hockey Board) he was just as comfortable working behind the scenes to make a difference. 

Jay is survived by his wife of 63+ years, Alfhild; sons, Mike (Mary) and Mark (Brenda); daughter, Mary Jo (Jay) Grover; brother, Curt (Janet); grandchildren, Jason (Ashley), Taylor (Lauren), Berk, Marin, Jordan, Beth (Preston), and Jayden; and great-grandchildren, Reagan, Kennedy, Rylan, Lincoln, Carter, and Sander.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Ehrmantraut; brother, Deryl; and his wife, Ramona.