February 22, 1937 – February 12, 2026
Jay Sturges, 88, of Clear Lake and formerly of Rockwell, passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 12, 2026, at Apple Valley Assisted Living, surrounded by those he loved.
Memorial services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, February 16, 2026, at Faith United Church of Rockwell, 303 Monroe Street, Rockwell, Iowa, with Rev. Will Hunsaker officiating. Burial will take place at Rockwell Cemetery at a later date.
Visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at Faith United Church of Rockwell.
Memorials may be directed to Faith United Church of Rockwell, First Congregational Church of Clear Lake, or St. Croix Hospice.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Apple Valley Assisted Living and St. Croix Hospice for their dedicated care of Jay.
Jay Edgar Sturges was born on February 22, 1937, at his grandparents’ home in Rockwell, Iowa, the son of Leonard “Pat” and Donella Flemming (Piersal) Sturges. He was raised in the Rockwell area and graduated from Rockwell High School in 1955. Jay continued his education at NIACC, where he pitched on the baseball team and proudly earned an impressive 19-1 record.
On August 4, 1957, Jay was united in marriage to Ellen Lee Ketchum at the Congregational Church in Rockwell. Together they were blessed with five children: Douglas, Gary, Dianna, Rob, and Kim. The family made their home in Nora Springs and later Rockwell, where Jay worked at the Nora Springs Creamery and the Rockwell Elevator before beginning what would become one of his greatest loves, farming. Even after Jay and Ellen moved to town in 1988, his heart never left the land, and he continued to keep a watchful eye on the fields he knew so well.
Faith was an important part of Jay’s life. In 1970, with Ellen by his side, he accepted Jesus into his heart, a commitment that guided him through the rest of his years.
Jay truly loved people. Family vacations, anywhere, as long as everyone was together and having fun, were among his favorite memories. He had a gift for conversation, could talk to anyone, and never met a stranger. Known for his kindness and quick wit, Jay’s gentle humor and friendly nature left a lasting impression on all who knew him.
He gave generously of his time, serving his community through the Lions Club, the Elevator Board, and the Church Board. One of Jay’s greatest joys was coaching his children’s sports and faithfully following their achievements. In later years, nothing made him prouder than watching his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their activities, sports, and accomplishments. They were truly some of the greatest gifts of his life.
As Jay would say in parting,
“Goodbye for now. Drive safe.”
Surviving are his beloved wife of 68 years, Ellen; children, Douglas (Kelly) Sturges of Clear Lake, Gary (Jeanette) Sturges of Clear Lake, Dianna (Tim) Ditsworth of Rockwell, Rob (Penny) Sturges of Clear Lake, and Kim (Bill) Bamrick of Rockwell; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; siblings, Bob (Jane) Sturges of Clear Lake; sister-in-law, Billie Sturges of Des Moines; as well as nieces and nephews whom he thought the world of; and extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Pat and Donella Sturges; Ellen’s parents, Pentz and Rosella Ketchum; siblings, June (Darrel) Schmock, Wendel “Buzz” Sturges, Donna (Morris) Billings, and infant brother, Gary Sturges; sister-in-law, Lola (Dick) Robinson; as well extended family members.
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