Kevin Jahr

Kevin L. Jahr, age 72, passed away peacefully at his home on May 16, 2025, with a number of his loving family members at his side.

A Vigil Service will be held at 9:00 AM Wednesday May 28th at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Pkwy. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit, 519 Raymond Street, Bismarck, ND followed by burial at Fairview Cemetery.

Kevin was born on February 4, 1953, in Minneapolis, MN, the third of four children born to Charles and Norine Jahr (Keough). Robbinsdale, MN was his home for many of his early years along with a family lake cabin on Ottertail Lake, MN. During these years, Kevin loved sports (often being coached by his brother, Chuck), his hockey days (playing for the Robbinsdale Robins and the cup-winning Gold Street Jets), slow pitch softball, and spending time with his family at the lake. He loved teasing his sisters, Debora and Kaaren, and specifically not enjoying it very well when he lost at board games to Debora and her friends.

Kevin has two sons, Justin and Tyler, whom he loved and was very proud. He enjoyed their youth sports activities (baseball and hockey), lake time, and music discussions. Lake time with his boys and their grandma, uncles, aunts, and cousins were special to Kevin, enjoying boating and fishing. Kevin was an avid Elvis fan. He proudly had Elvis memorabilia throughout his home that his boys, and others, got for him over the years. While he talked about his boys, his voice would often fill with excitement and he would get a smile on his face.

On February 24, 1999, Kevin married Janet M. Vyse and gained an extended family of Dave (Nicole); and April. Kevin and Janet loved spending time at their lake cabin on Pearl Lake, MN, living on a bay of the Missouri River, drinking morning coffee with their pups at their side, and building memories traveling to various places that included Hawaii, Bahamas, Mexico, Florida, and Arizona – often times getting pushed out of his comfort zone by snorkeling with sharks, hiking (and getting lost) in lava fields, and taking the plunge at Atlantis. Kevin worked in the automotive industry for a number of years, before joining Dave in the banking industry in 2011 until he retired.

Over the years, Kevin became a grandpa and great-grandpa, roles in which he was incredible. “Grandpa Kevin” really enjoyed travelling, talking cars, cruises (Kevin had a couple of memorable cars including a ’68 VW and a ’77 Grand Prix), fishing, and cheering on his grandchildren’s teams (Bismarck Demons, Legacy Sabers, Mandan Braves, or University of Mary Marauders). He loved these kids, and they really enjoyed spending time with him as well. He was a phenomenal Grandpa!

Kevin is survived by his wife, Janet; sons, Justin (Lisa) and Tyler (Allison); his extended family, Dave (Nicole) and April; four grandchildren, Logan (Karley), Taylor (Richard), Jason (Megan), and Ravijah; five great-grandchildren, Paislyn, Emberly, Catarina, Sadie, and Bowdy; brother, Chuck (Susie) and their children Andrew (Chas), Nathan (Tiffany), and Kelsey (Mitchell); sister, Debora (Gary); and two nephews, Pat (Maritza) and Craig (Amy). He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Norine Jahr, sister Kaaren Hess, and brother-in-law Gale Hess.

Kevin’s family would like to send a special thank you to Father Ehli, Dr. John Erickstad and his nurse, Collette, Dr. Steve Kraljic, Dr. Sagar Rakshit, the Hospice Team of CHI, the Team at Great Plains Restorative Services, Joe Braun, all other caregivers from CHI who helped care for Kevin through his journey, and to family and friends who cared for, visited, texted, called, and sent encouraging messages.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to honor Kevin to either the Glioblastoma Foundation or the American Cancer Society.