Jay Edward Hamernick

life story

Jay Edward Hamernick August 28, 1936 – August 11, 2024

Jay Edward Hamernick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, uncle and friend, passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 11, 2024. He was 87 years old.

Jay was born in Minneapolis, MN, on August 28, 1936. He attended Foley High School, The University of Minnesota Forestry School, and Dallas Theological Seminary, where he nurtured a deep passion for God’s Creation and God’s Word.

In 1961, Jay married the love of his life, Ferrol Paige Patterson, in Dallas, TX. Together, they built a life marked by devotion to each other, their faith, and their family. Jay began his career with the Department of the Interior in 1967, which took the family to various locations across the United States. They lived in Winona, MN, for seven years, where Jay’s love for teaching the Word of God and his engagement with God’s creation through wildlife management and birding began to emerge as central themes in his life.

Jay was a serious student of God’s Word, dedicating countless mornings over many decades to reading the scriptures in their original languages. His devotion to Christ, to God’s Word, and to teaching the scriptures was unwavering throughout his life. No matter where his career took him—whether to California, Colorado, Montana, or back to Minnesota—Jay’s investment in a local church renewed itself with each move. He remained a steadfast pillar in each community, sharing his wisdom and faith with all who knew him.

After retiring from the federal government, Jay spent his years pursuing his love of birding, traveling around the country and internationally. He loved spending time with family and friends along the North Shore of Lake Superior. Jay taught Bible studies in his home with small groups and at Sunday School and filled many pulpits for many years before and after retirement. He also enjoyed working at a local sporting goods store and took pride in splitting enormous amounts of firewood to keep his wood stove warm.

Jay is survived by his loving and (mostly) patient wife of 63 years, Ferrol Paige Hamernick. Additionally, his daughters Laurel Paige Machtan (Matthew) and Ferrol Junne Woodrich, his son Joel (Paula) Hamernick, and to his cherished grandchildren, to whom he was Grandpapa: Sara (Michael) Hillstrom, Jonathan and Samuel Hillstrom, Jared (Lauren) Hamernick, Josiah, Caleb, Karissa, Corban, Caden, and Kaylie Hamernick. He was also blessed with great-granddaughters Dekaiya Hamernick, Josie Gonzalez, and Jannely Gonzalez. Jay is also survived by his sister Susan (David) Peterson and his brother David (Helen Jean) Hamernick. Also, a passel of nieces, nephews and cousins (at last count Jay had 57 first cousins). All good Polacks.

Jay’s life was a testament to his faith, his love for his family, and his commitment to carefully and intensively studying and teaching God’s Word.

A service to celebrate Jay’s life will be held on Saturday, August 17th at The North Church 5151 Program Avenue, Moundsview MN.

1 p.m. Visitation

2pm Service

The service will be live streamed here: https://thenorthchurch.com/special-event/

Jay’s family is grateful for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. In lieu of flowers gifts in Jay’s memory can be sent to Dallas Theological Seminary.

Support can be provided through the Seminary website here. Alternatively, contact Kim Till at DTS:

Kim Till

Senior Vice President

ktill@dts.edu

214-887-5061

Jay will be deeply missed, but his family wishes to celebrate his life and longingly await being reunited with him one day.

memorial service

Celebration of Life

August 17, 2024

The North Church 5151 Program Ave, St Paul, MN 55112, USA

Visitation starting at 1:00 PM

Funeral/Cremation Provider: Crescent Tide Cremation Services