Jay Fedorenko

Jay Michael Fedorenko, 66, Garrison, ND (formerly of Max and Butte, ND) passed away unexpectedly Thursday, December 19, 2024 at CHI St. Alexius Garrison Memorial Hospital.
Jay was born on June 2, 1958, to Albert and Arlene (Jenson) Fedorenko in Minot, ND. He was the third of four children. He was raised and educated in Butte, ND where he graduated from Butte High School in 1976.
In September 1990, Jay married Carmen Day and together they made their home between Max and Butte where they farmed and raised their two children, Ashley and Taylor. Jay farmed alongside his dad, Albert, until Albert's death in 1996. Jay continued farming until 1999. He and Carmen divorced in 2002 but shared custody of Ashley and Taylor.
After retiring from farming, Jay pursued a new career path and enrolled in classes at Bismarck State College where he graduated with a degree in Power Plant Technology in 2003. He remained in the Bismarck/Mandan area until 2005 where he then returned to Max after Carmen's death to focus on raising his kids.
While living in Max, Jay worked in Minot as a truck driver for many years. After sustaining a work-related injury, Jay retired early but embraced his retirement with enthusiasm and joy.
Jay enjoyed retirement and filled his day with things he loved most. He would spend his time with his children and his "grand-dogs" and when he wasn't with them you could find him fishing, gardening or spending time on his other hobbies. An avid fisherman, Jay was once a walleye guide in the 1980s and continued to enjoy casting a line whenever he could. His passion for gardening was evident in his impressive vegetable gardens, which he took great pride in cultivating and harvesting, often canning the produce himself.
Jay's interests also included geology, gold panning, coin collecting, raising tropical freshwater fish, playing guitar and NHRA drag racing. He loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle and appreciated the simple joys of life. Jay's passion for geology was evident in the countless hours exploring nature. He was an avid collector of rocks and minerals often trading or selling his finds. His curiosity and love for discovery led him to uncover unique treasures, and he took great pride in sharing his knowledge with others. Whether panning for gold or examining rocks and minerals, Jay approached his hobbies with enthusiasm and a sense of wonder.
Jay was known for his "gift of gab" and his ability to connect with anyone he met. His sense of humor brought laughter to many. Above all, he deeply loved his children and took pride in all their accomplishments.
Jay will be profoundly missed by his children, family and friends. Though our time with him was cut far too short, we will be forever grateful of the time we had with him and will cherish all our memories together.
Jay is survived by his children, Ashley Fedorenko, Bismarck, ND and Taylor Fedorenko (girlfriend, Karissa Lucy), Burlington, ND, his sisters Pam (Mike) Hoffman, Bismarck, ND, Paulette (Dorvin) Froseth, Arvada, CO and Melissa Fedorenko, Bismarck, ND; numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and extended family.
Jay is preceded in death by his parents Albert and Arlene, and other beloved family members.
A memorial service will take place this Spring in Butte.