Jay Kieft

Jay A. Kieft, 55, of Lutsen died Monday December 1, 2014 at the Cook County North Shore Hospital, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

He was born May 25, 1959 to Jake and Gert Kieft in Sioux Center, Iowa where he grew up and graduated from high school in 1977. Jay attended Central College in Pella, Iowa and then enlisted in the Peace Corps, serving four years in Guatemala.  He married Carla De Ruyter in 1987 in Rock Valley, Iowa.  Jay devoted his life work to helping people and organizations reach their full potential.  He most recently worked as the Health and Human Services Director for Kandiyohi and Wright counties, and was County Administrator for Cook County. Recently Jay graduated from Hamline University with a Master Degree in Public Administration.  Jay enjoyed mountain biking, vacations with his family in Mexico, and driving his ’77 Volkswagen Bus.  He will be remembered for his positive attitude and gentle spirit. His love for his family was foremost to him. He was always putting his family first with their needs or by giving them a short inspirational instruction to help them out. Wherever Jay was he was quick with a smile and a positive word.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, Jake.

He is survived by his wife Carla; children, Jacob (Emily); and Lydia; mother, Gert; sisters, Joyce Kieft, and Audrey (Keith) Reid; brother, Jerry (Linda) Kieft, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 12 Noon until the 1 PM Memorial Service Friday, December 5, 2014 at Faith Lutheran Church in Spicer, MN.