Jay D Venstra

With great sadness, the family of Jay Venstra announces his passing on May 6, 2012 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Jay was born on March 11, 1934 to George and Marjorie Gibson Venstra and was raised in Hooper, Utah. Jay shared special childhood memories about spending time in the beet fields with his dad and helping his mom with chores. Jay had two children, Cory and Mickey Venstra, from a previous marriage. In 1965, Jay married Ellin O'Connor and had three children, Camille, Kevin, and Colette Venstra making their home in South Ogden. Jay was a plumber by trade and a member of the Local 348 Plumbing and Pipefitter Union. He retired from Weber County School District in 2003. Jay loved the outdoors and was an avid angler; hunting, camping, and running his dogs, but his special love was fly fishing. Jay and Ellin loved to spend as much time as possible in Island Park surrounded by children and grandchildren. Jay had a warm heart and a kind smile, especially with the children. Several memories will be cherished remembering our float trips down the Box Canyon in the drift boat watching him cast his line into the water with amazing finesse and accuracy. More times than not, he would pull out a beautiful trout that was a lot smaller and lighter than the 25-inch 15-pound monster he always described. This is one of the many reasons he was loved. The greatest day in Jay's life was the day he accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior and found solace in the Lord's loving and welcoming embrace. Jay is survived by his wife Ellin and children: Camille (Dave) Tesch, Kevin (Jane) Venstra, Colette (Darin) Johnson, Cory (Mary) Venstra, Mickey (Val) Venstra, and many beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren. Siblings: Ed (Sheryl) Venstra, and Ruth (Arn) Jensen. He was preceded in death by his brother, William Venstra, and his parents. Please join us in a celebration service of Jay's life on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 6:00 p.m., Alpine Church, located at 5050 South 1275 West, Riverdale Utah. The family would like to give a heartfelt thanks to Intermountain Hospice Care, especially to Cathy and Dr. Wood. We will always hold you close to our hearts for being our rock. Jay's wishes were to have his ashes spread in the Box Canyon which will happen later this year. In lieu of flowers, please take a child fishing.