Jay E. Stockwell

Jay Stockwell

YANKTON, S.D. — Jay E. Stockwell, 86, Yankton, S.D., formerly of Hartington, died Feb. 11, 2023, at Avera Sister James Care Center, Yankton.

Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m., Feb. 17, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with Rev. Owen Korte officiating. The funeral Mass will also be live streamed at www. facebook.com/WintzRay/live.

Burial will be in the St. Michael’s Cemetery, Hartington, at a later date.

Pallbearers are Tucker Stockwell, Bryce Stockwell, Judd Garner, Tim Burbach, Kelly Stockwell and Troy Fuelberth.

Visitation is from 5-7 p.m., Feb. 16, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington, with a vigil service at 7 p.m.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Wintz Funeral Home, Hartington.

Jay was born Sept. 4, 1936, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Francis Newton McKibbon. He was adopted by Harry and Margaret (Newton) Stockwell, Hartington. Jay grew up in Hartington and attended K-12 at Hartington Public Schools. As a child, he used to shine shoes at the barber shop, and in high school, worked for Clyde Booth’s grocery store. Jay also helped his father by driving a rural mail route. After graduation, he went to work for Cedar Knox Rural Electric Association (REA). Jay married Sharon Forinash Oct. 14, 1958, at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, Hartington. He worked for REA for 40 years and retired due to a back injury.

In June 1996, Jay and Sharon moved to Loveland, Colo. Jay became an active member of the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered many hours and was awarded the Knight of the Year. Jay also did all the mowing for St. John’s Catholic Church, which was something he truly enjoyed, as he loved being outside and using the riding mower. As his health didn’t allow him to continue, he had a hard time adjusting to this. Jay loved playing cards, and played poker with the Knights after their meetings. In June 2021, they moved to Yankton and lived at Majestic Bluffs.

Jay is survived by his wife, Sharon Stockwell, Yankton, S.D.; daughter, LaCinda Lange, Loveland, Colo.; three sons, Charles (Sherry) Stockwell, Vermillion, S.D.; Ronald (Nenette) Stockwell, Loveland, Colo.; and Michael (Tonya) Stockwell, Columbus; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Sharon Lynn Stockwell, Canoga Park, Calif.; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents; three brothers, John (June) Stockwell, James (Marjorie) Stockwell and Jerry Stockwell; and one sister, Mary Jean (Ed) Rozier.