Jay M. Dronen

Jay M. Dronen, 81, Jamestown, ND, died Friday, September 2, 2011 at Ave Maria Village, Jamestown, under the care of hospice, after a year long courageous battle with cancer.

Jay was born in Cleveland, ND on February 22, 1930 to Olga and Mallius Dronen. The family later moved to Jamestown, where he met and married Elizabeth (Betty) Dronen on March 8, 1950.

Jay worked for the Buick Garage and later as Manager of Jamestown Body Shop in Jamestown, retiring in 1996. He spent his retirement years playing pool and golf, but most of all, he loved spending time with his family and friends. He was always the first to help others with any need that arose. He was best known, and will be remembered by all who knew him, as a kind and gentle man, with a great sense of humor. Jay was a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, Jamestown.

Jay is survived by his wife of 61 years, Betty, Jamestown; two sons, Michael (Colleen) Dronen and Dana Dronen; one daughter, Julie (Tim) Dwelle, all of Jamestown; six grandchildren, JoDee (Pete) Rasmusson, Jamestown, Jamie Dronen, Arlington, VA, Jon (Laura) Dronen, Hazen, ND, Jayson (Erica) Dwelle, St. Paul, MN, Levi (Michelle) Dwelle, Jamestown and Nicole (Scott) Weber, Owatonna, MN; eight great-grandchildren, Kylee, Cole, Caitlin, Samuel, Catherine, Nicholas, Lacy, Aubree and an expected great-grandchild due in December.

Jay is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers and six sisters.