Jay Spethman

Funeral services for Jay J. Spethman, 72, of Killdeer, will be held at 10:00 a.m., Friday, January 31, 2025 at the High Plains Cultural Center in Killdeer with Pastor Jim Steckler officiating. Burial will take place in the Manning cemetery following the service with full Military Honors.

Visitation for Jay will be held from 5:00–7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 30th at Stevenson Funeral Home in Killdeer and ‘Time of Sharing’ will be held at 6:00 p.m. 

Jay entered his heavenly home on January 24, 2025, one day short of his 73rd birthday.

Jay was born on January 25, 1952, the son of Clark and Fern (Alexander) Spethman. He spent a lot of his time working on the family ranch, running the stock for the Spethman Rodeo Co. He also participated in the rodeo by riding, bareback, saddle bronc and bull riding. The Amidon Rodeo Arena is named after his father, Clark Spethman. Jay was drafted into the US Navy (1971-1975) with the Seabee’s Construction Battalion for four years. In 1976, he met the love of his life, Joan Karey. Jay and Joan were married on July 7, 1978. To this union, two children were born, Joel (Nikki) and Jodi (Jordan) Staloch. Jay owned his business, Spethman & Son Carpentry, and spent many years working in construction. He was always ready to help anyone in need of repairs.

The best decision Jay ever made was to accept Jesus into his life. He was always ready and willing to share Jesus with anyone and everyone. His kind heart and loving nature will be truly missed by all who knew him. At Hill Top Home, he was known lovingly as “Uncle Jay”. As a handy man, he wore many hats, figuratively and literally. He was also known for his unique caps. 

Jay is survived by his wife, Joan; children, Joel (Nikki) Spethman and Jodi (Jordan) Staloch; four grandchildren, Deklen and Easton J. Staloch, Tenisyn and Corvan Spethman; sister, Kay Reiten of WA; brother, Duane (Cynthia) Spethman of MT; several of Joan’s sisters and brothers and their spouses; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Fern Spethman; Joan’s parents, Roy and Agnes Karey; brother, Dale (Dude) Spethman; brothers-in-law, Duane (Red) Schaff, Dan Steckler and Pete Reiten; grandson, Payson Spethman.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to: New Life Worship Center in Beulah for the CREW Youth Program (make checks out to New Life Worship Center with ‘CREW’ written in the memo).

Due to conflicting schedules, lunch will not be served. Following burial, please join the family at the High Plains Community Center for coffee and cookies.