Jay Leroy Bergstrand
Jay Leroy Bergstrand (October 2, 1931 - December 10, 2025) lived many lives within one. From his beginnings as a farm boy in Wisconsin, to adventures on his motorcycle during a "Gypsy Tour," to years spent protecting Alaska's wild places as a biologist, Jay moved through the world with gentle curiosity and a kindness so genuine that everyone he met felt like an old friend. In later years, he returned to Wisconsin, embracing a quieter life that reflected the same deep love of nature that had guided him throughout his life. He passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025.
Born on a small dairy farm in Apple River, Wisconsin, Jay was the youngest of six children. His early years were shaped by the hard work of farm life and his education at the one-room Shiloh School. His sense of adventure was sparked early by a childhood road trip to the West Coast in 1939, where he caught his first glimpse of the world beyond the family farm.
Jay was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. From running his own shop as a young man to riding his "classy little Sportster," he found a unique sense of freedom on two wheels.
Jay's life was defined by service and a deep passion for the outdoors. He served in the U.S. Army as an artillery mechanic before pursuing higher education. He graduated from Wisconsin State College at River Falls with a degree in Biology and later earned a Master's degree in Zoology from Southern Illinois University. During his graduate studies in 1961, he met the love of his life, Laura "Joyce" Goins. The two were married just three days after his graduation on June 16, 1962, and immediately set off for Alaska in a Volkswagen Bug to begin their life together.
In Alaska, Jay was an environmentalist before it was cool. Working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and later the Alaska Department of Transportation, he played a vital role in protecting fish habitats and wildlife migration patterns during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Known for his ability to "work both sides of the street," Jay earned the trust and respect of everyone he encountered—from federal colleagues to residents of remote Native villages, who often honored him with meaningful gifts in recognition of his respect for their land and culture.
A true outdoorsman, Jay was a staple of the Alaskan skiing community. He and Joyce built a family cabin in Girdwood, where they spent winters alpine skiing at Mt. Alyeska. Jay served on the Alaska National Ski Patrol, performing rescue work and sharing his love for the mountains with his children, Kristina and James. He took great pride in teaching them to ski and instilled in them a lifelong love for the sport. When not on the slopes, he spent much of his time outside or "tinkering" in his shop. He also had a love of flying planes and had his pilot's license, although Joyce was the true pioneer of the family, they explored the great state of Alaska together.
In 1992, Jay and Joyce returned to their roots, retiring to Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. They built a home on a beautiful six-acre parcel near White Ash Lake that quickly became Jay's "happy place." Retirement did not mean slowing down; it meant trading field boots for a tractor and the workshop of his dreams. Jay spent his days outdoors tending his land and garden, tinkering in his shop, and remaining active in the Swedish Club and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St Croix.
During these peaceful years, Jay became the family's devoted historian. Genealogy grew into a primary passion as he spent decades uncovering family stories and preserving the grit, character, and legacy of the Bergstrand name—ensuring a strong bridge between past and future.
In 2017, Jay and Joyce moved to Reno, Nevada, to be closer to their daughter Kristina and granddaughter Ava. Until his final day, Jay remained the kindest and sweetest of men—a loyal friend, a devoted husband, and the greatest father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jay is survived by his children, Kristina and James (Teena), and his granddaughter, Ava. He has gone home to be reunited with his beloved Joyce, likely scouting a new trail or enjoying a quiet moment in an "Outdoor Heaven" of his own.
In accordance with their wishes, Jay and Joyce will be returned to the Wisconsin soil they loved and laid to rest together at Apple River Town Cemetery. Their children, Kristina and Jim, will travel to Wisconsin in the spring or summer of 2026 to place them in their final resting place.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites you to share your stories, make a donation to your favorite charity, or support an organization that reflects Jay's passions, such as the Alaska National Ski Patrol, an environmental conservation group, or a local genealogy society.
Jay Leroy Bergstrand (October 2, 1931 - December 10, 2025) lived many lives within one. From his beginnings as a farm boy in Wisconsin, to adventures on his motorcycle during a "Gypsy Tour," to years spent protecting Alaska's wild places as a biologist, Jay moved through the world with gentle curiosity and a kindness so genuine that everyone he met felt like an old friend. In later years, he returned to Wisconsin, embracing a quieter life that reflected the same deep love of nature that had guided him throughout his life. He passed away peacefully on December 10, 2025.
Born on a small dairy farm in Apple River, Wisconsin, Jay was the youngest of six children. His early years were shaped by the hard work of farm life and his education at the one-room Shiloh School. His sense of adventure was sparked early by a childhood road trip to the West Coast in 1939, where he caught his first glimpse of the world beyond the family farm.
Jay was a lifelong motorcycle enthusiast. From running his own shop as a young man to riding his "classy little Sportster," he found a unique sense of freedom on two wheels.
Jay's life was defined by service and a deep passion for the outdoors. He served in the U.S. Army as an artillery mechanic before pursuing higher education. He graduated from Wisconsin State College at River Falls with a degree in Biology and later earned a Master's degree in Zoology from Southern Illinois University. During his graduate studies in 1961, he met the love of his life, Laura "Joyce" Goins. The two were married just three days after his graduation on June 16, 1962, and immediately set off for Alaska in a Volkswagen Bug to begin their life together.
In Alaska, Jay was an environmentalist before it was cool. Working for the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and later the Alaska Department of Transportation, he played a vital role in protecting fish habitats and wildlife migration patterns during the construction of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline. Known for his ability to "work both sides of the street," Jay earned the trust and respect of everyone he encountered—from federal colleagues to residents of remote Native villages, who often honored him with meaningful gifts in recognition of his respect for their land and culture.
A true outdoorsman, Jay was a staple of the Alaskan skiing community. He and Joyce built a family cabin in Girdwood, where they spent winters alpine skiing at Mt. Alyeska. Jay served on the Alaska National Ski Patrol, performing rescue work and sharing his love for the mountains with his children, Kristina and James. He took great pride in teaching them to ski and instilled in them a lifelong love for the sport. When not on the slopes, he spent much of his time outside or "tinkering" in his shop. He also had a love of flying planes and had his pilot's license, although Joyce was the true pioneer of the family, they explored the great state of Alaska together.
In 1992, Jay and Joyce returned to their roots, retiring to Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. They built a home on a beautiful six-acre parcel near White Ash Lake that quickly became Jay's "happy place." Retirement did not mean slowing down; it meant trading field boots for a tractor and the workshop of his dreams. Jay spent his days outdoors tending his land and garden, tinkering in his shop, and remaining active in the Swedish Club and the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of St Croix.
During these peaceful years, Jay became the family's devoted historian. Genealogy grew into a primary passion as he spent decades uncovering family stories and preserving the grit, character, and legacy of the Bergstrand name—ensuring a strong bridge between past and future.
In 2017, Jay and Joyce moved to Reno, Nevada, to be closer to their daughter Kristina and granddaughter Ava. Until his final day, Jay remained the kindest and sweetest of men—a loyal friend, a devoted husband, and the greatest father and grandfather. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Jay is survived by his children, Kristina and James (Teena), and his granddaughter, Ava. He has gone home to be reunited with his beloved Joyce, likely scouting a new trail or enjoying a quiet moment in an "Outdoor Heaven" of his own.
In accordance with their wishes, Jay and Joyce will be returned to the Wisconsin soil they loved and laid to rest together at Apple River Town Cemetery. Their children, Kristina and Jim, will travel to Wisconsin in the spring or summer of 2026 to place them in their final resting place.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family invites you to share your stories, make a donation to your favorite charity, or support an organization that reflects Jay's passions, such as the Alaska National Ski Patrol, an environmental conservation group, or a local genealogy society.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jay Bergstrand, please visit our flower store.
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