Jay Richard Linneman

Jay R. Linneman, 64, of Dell Rapids passed away on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at his home after a 12 month battle with cancer. His funeral service will be held on Monday, April 27, 2026 at 10:30 a.m. in the United Methodist Church, Dell  Rapids. Visitation with family present will be for one hour prior to the service.

Jay was born on January 26, 1962 in Volga, SD.  He grew up on a farm near Estelline, SD, and in 1976 the family moved to town.  After finishing school, Jay went to Montana and worked in the Young Adult Conservation Corp (USDA Forest Service).  As a young adult, he returned to South Dakota and worked various jobs including building grain bins. Jay enjoyed spending over 15 years seining fish on midwestern lakes during the winter.  In 1990, he started work for Graves Construction building bridges. Jay was a dedicated worker and worked up to the first of April of this year.
Jay met the love of his life, Sherrie “Sweetie” in April of 1994.  They were married on April 25, 1996 at the United Methodist Church in Dell Rapids. Of this marriage, Jay gained two daughters.  Shortly after, they moved to Dell Rapids and made it their home.  

Throughout his life Jay enjoyed all things racing but most of all dirt track and NASCAR. On any given weekend in the summer, he could be found at any of the local dirt tracks. He was an avid Vikings fan and was able to attend his first Pro game with his sister this last season. Jay loved spending time with his family. Jay "Papa" would do anything for his family and friends, especially his granddaughters who stole his heart the minute they were born.

Grateful for having shared his life are his wife, Sherrie; his two daughters, Christina (Adam) Deacon and Jenelle Rave (Dallas Olson), both of Dell Rapids; his two granddaughters, Mallory Krempges (Dustyn Grib) and Madelyn Krempges; his great-granddaughter, Adalyn Grib; his mother, Donna Nelson of Estelline, SD; his four brothers, Dennis (Michele) of Lolo, MT, Steve (Dianne) of Murrieta, CA, Russ (Laura) of Worland, WY, and Terry of Estelline, SD; his two sisters, Lori (Gary) Lewis of Superior, MT and Jodi (Scott) Mundahl of Estelline, SD; his biological father, Roger (Ruth) DeGroot of Galt, CA; and his many nieces and nephews

He is preceded in death by his granddaughter Mariana Krempges and Father Lyle "Bud" Linneman. 

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