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United States Naval Academy University of Iowa

FUNERAL HOME

Washburn-McReavy Holcomb-Henry-Boom-Purcell Shoreview Funeral Chapel

515 Highway 96 West

Shoreview, Minnesota

Donald Lay Obituary

Lay, Judge Donald P. Age 80, of North Oaks Born August 24, 1926 In Princeton, IL. He passed away peacefully in his home on April 29, 2007 surrounded by his devoted and loving wife, Miriam, and his "five girls". He is preceded in death by his son, Stephen P. Lay; mother, Ruth Cushing Lay; brother, Robert Lay. He is survived by his wife, Miriam of 57 years; daughters, Catherine Lay (Henry Jerome) of St. Paul, MN., Cindy Elston of Kansas City, KS., Betsy Lay of Des Moines, IA., Debbie (Rick) Ford of Omaha, NE., and Susan Lay of St. Paul; 8 grandchildren, Alexandra, Gabriella, Betsy, James, Alexander, Ryan, Brittany and Caitlin; 2 step-grandchildren, Nellie and Audrey. Donald attended Iowa City High School, the US Navel Academy, earned a law degree at the University of Iowa, and had the privilege of serving as a distinguished member of the federal judiciary for 40+ years. In 1966 he was the second-youngest person ever appointed to the United States Court of Appeals bench at age 39, serving as Chief Judge of the US Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for 12 years. Donald had a passion for the law, a good game of golf, traveling, and spending time with his family and many friends. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to the Hospice of the Lakes care team and the caring staff at North Oaks Presbyterian Homes for their compassion, support and kindness. Visitation Wednesday, 5-8PM in the HOLCOMB-HENRY-BOOM FUNERAL HOME 515 Hwy 96 W., at Mackubin, Shoreview (651-482-7606). Memorial Service Thursday, 11AM at ARLINGTON HILLS METHODIST CHURCH, 759 E. Co., Road B, Maplewood, MN. Interment Omaha, NE. Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Assoc., Hospice of the Lakes, or the Boy Scouts of America.

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Published by Pioneer Press from May 1 to May 2, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Donald Lay

23 Entries

Lud Gartner

May 30, 2007

Dear Miriam and girls,
Judith joins me in this belated condolence. Don was not only a great friend, but a great golfing companion. Who could ask for more! I will miss the pleasure of his company and funny stories. The world is a better place because of Don Lay, truly one of God's noblemen.

Deone Merkel

May 18, 2007

Judge Lay has been in my thoughts since early January, and now I know why. I wish I had followed my impulse to write to him. He had a huge impact on my life, and his example will continue to influence my future. My thanks to him, and to Mrs. Lay, for the opportunities you (and the puppy Pomeroy) gave me during law school.

Sue Quambusch

May 5, 2007

Dear Miriam and family: Our famiy is thinking of you and wishing you peace. With love and sympathy, Miggie Quambusch, Sue Quambusch and Barb Osborn

Jim and Ingred Bierman

May 3, 2007

Dear
Miriam and girls,
We are deeply saddened to hear of Don’s passing and wish to send you our sincere condolences. We remember many enjoyable times with you both on numerous occasions down through the years - and also well cherished
memories of track and football at Iowa City High School. Peace to you all…

Barb and David Wollan

May 3, 2007

Miriam and Family,

We feel privileged to have known you and Judge Lay in the years you lived next door to us. I remember when he spoke to Troop 63, my son's Boy Scout Troop. He was so generous with his time, talents, and experiences!

Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Sincerely,

Michael Cullinan

May 3, 2007

Dear Lay family,
May St. Michael the Archangel and all the angels lift you up just as they are surely lifting your beloved father/grandfather to heaven.

Mike Cullinan, Principal of St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School

Debbie Anderson Receptionist/Presbyterian Homes

May 2, 2007

Dear Miriam and Family,
You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this most difficult time. Judge Lay will be greatly missed by many at Presbyterian Homes. We feel blessed to have shared a small part of his life's journey. God's Blessings to you.

Truman Smith

May 2, 2007

Dear Miriam and family,

Truman Smith and family send their deepest heartfelt sympathy. We hold many fond memories with the Lay family. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers. God bless each of you.

Rey Waedekin

May 2, 2007

I had the privilege of serving Judge Lay as the North Oaks seasonal locker room Manager from 2000 to 2003, as I was finishing law school. Judge Lay loved to play cards, and always made sure he had several fresh decks in his locker at any given time. He always remembered my name, and everything we talked about, offering valuable nuggets of advice. Curteous, caring, and brilliant, he will be dearly missed.

Luis A. Bartolomei

May 2, 2007

As a former student of his, and as a member of the University of Minnesota community, I'd like to express my most sincere condolences to the Lay family.

He was a kind and patient teacher, a brilliant and courageous jurist and
a hero to many of us. God bless you, Judge, and thank you.

G. PHILIP HOUSTON

May 2, 2007

ANOTHER CLASSMATE OF THE UNIQUE CLASS OF 1944 IS GONE. DON, HIMSELF,
WAS UNIQUE IN SPORTS, ACADEMICS, AND LATER ON IN LAW. IT WAS INTERESTING TO VISIT WITH HIM AT OUR REUNIONS. MY CONDOLENCES TO HIS FAMILY.

Kathy Bauer

May 2, 2007

Dear Betsy,

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. I understand what you are going through. Be thankful for the loving relationship you had with your dad and that you were with him during his final hours on this earth. You will be a strong support to your mother - and your dad knew you would be there for her. Please take care of yourself and stay with your mother until you feel it is right to return to work.

My love - Kathy

Dean Crawford

May 2, 2007

Dear Mimi,
We were present at your meeting, and now with you in spirit at Don's passing. Iowa City is a distant but fond memory.
Dean and JoAnn Crawford

Buzz and Kate Hellickson

May 1, 2007

Miriam, I awoke last night thinking," Don, you are able now to play the best golf ever, heaven has to have the greatest courses" I also was thinking of how much I enjoyed my time with this wonderful man and gentleman. Kate and I are praying and thinking of you and the family. God has blessed all of us with his wit and presence.

Jim Bauer

May 1, 2007

James Edward Bauer, ICHS '44: I remember Don principally as a debater and football halfback, able to elude gigantic (to me, at that time) opposing tacklers.

Becky Vohoska Rose

May 1, 2007

Sue & Family:
I was so sad to hear about your father. He left a wonderful legacy in all of you - you are blessed to be part of such a wonderful and loving family. Even though it has been many years since our paths have crossed, I have fond memories of those Omaha years. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with your entire family right now. Your father will really be missed. Take care.

Gaye Carlisle

May 1, 2007

Betsy, I was so sorry to hear about your dad's passing. You and your family have been through so much these past months and it's great you have such a wonderful, close family to help you through this hard time. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Take care.

EA And Beth Brown

May 1, 2007

Miriam,

Beth and I were so very sorry to learn of Don's passing. We did so enjoyed our visits with you and Don when you were here in the Seattle area.

Tom and Mary Kay Obert

May 1, 2007

Miriam and family,

Our hearts were heavy when we heard the news about Don. We have had so many wonderful times with you and the Judge. We knew he was a brilliant lawyer and judge, but a better friend could not be found.

Our love and deepest sympathy,

Tom and Mary Kay

Nancy MacDonald

May 1, 2007

Debbie, Rick and to your entire family, we're thinking of you and we are so sorry. Your dad pursued life to it's fullest potential. His talents will be sorely missed but never forgot. Let us know if you need anything. Bob and Nancy MacDonald.

Christy Ruble

May 1, 2007

Betsy - take care of you! Breathe, take one day at a time and take comfort in the blessings of your close family. I'm here if you need anything. My thoughts are with you and all of your family.

Betty Johnson

May 1, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time of loss. You and Don were there for me when I needed you 7 years ago. I would like to be there for you now.
Betty

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