Jay Allen WRIGHT

Age 79, of Eagan Passed away on January 11, 2023 after a long battle with Lewy body dementia. Jay was born on July 31, 1943, to Earl and Georgia (Klinefelter) Wright in Hastings, MN. The third of four sons, he quickly learned the value of hard work growing up on the farm. After graduating from Forest Lake High School where he wrestled and played football, he started college at St. Cloud State University. He married the love of his life, Barbara Bergquist in January of 1963. While he continued his studies at St. Cloud State and the University of Minnesota, the couple had two children to make their family complete. Jay worked tirelessly to support his family with several jobs, all while completing his B.S. degree in math along with a teaching and coaching certificate. Jay taught math for six years at Brooklyn Center Jr. High and coached football, wrestling, and track and field. After moving with the family to Stacy, MN he took a leap of faith to begin what would be a 45+ year career in the insurance industry. While he loved helping clients and led a successful career, his focus was always his family. He and Barb never missed a softball game, tennis match, football game, wrestling match, or band concert for their children. Later as a proud grandfather, he attended countless piano recitals, band concerts, dance recitals, and everything he was invited to attend. Jay had a strong faith and listed God as his first priority. In addition to becoming a beloved and committed member of each of his church communities, he led a life devoted to service. He served as a church council member, church council president, school board member, Lions club member, served on many committees, taught Sunday school and confirmation classes and served as an association president. Jay was gregarious, he made everyone feel comfortable and valued. He will be remembered as a happy, generous, and kind-hearted person, who always saw the best in others. He was a natural leader who had a way of bringing people together; he had a true gift in relating to people. Jay is survived by wife, Barbara, daughter Lisa Rutt, son Scott (Cara) Wright; three granddaughters; two brothers, nieces, nephews and many loving family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, and one brother. Celebration of life service Saturday, January 21 at 11am, visitation one hour prior, lunch after the service at Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church, 12650 Johnny Cake Ridge Rd, Apple Valley. Memorials preferred to Lewy Body Dementia Association https://www.lbda.org/ or Shepherd of the Valley Lutheran Church https://www.sotv.org/