Jay Del Gunther

Jay Del Gunther, 55, of Frederick, SD, passed away Wednesday, January 29, 2020, at his home, surrounded by family, following a three-month battle with cancer.  His wishes were to be cremated.

Jay’s memorial service will be 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 7, 2020, at First Baptist Church, 1500 East Melgaard Road, Aberdeen, with Pastor Gary Compton and Pastor Harold E. Salem officiating.

A luncheon and time of fellowship will immediately follow the service at the church fellowship hall.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary and Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, is in charge of arrangements.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church on Friday.

Family and friends may sign Jay’s online guestbook and also view his service via the live stream service link at www.schriversmemorial.com.

Jay Del Gunther, son of Delbert and Karen (O’Neill) Gunther, was born June 6, 1964, in Aberdeen, SD.  He grew up in the Frederick area and graduated from Frederick High School.  In 1987, he bought his grandmother’s farm and started farming with his dad and his brother, Tom.

On July 16, 1988, Jay married his sweetheart, Faye Lechner, in Leola, SD.  Later, he was joined in the farming operation by his son, Austin.

Jay was a member of First Baptist Church in Aberdeen.  He served on the Osceola Township Board and the Frederick Elevator Board.  In his spare time, Jay enjoyed fishing and hunting with his dogs Bandit and Hunter.  He also enjoyed spending time at his cabin at Little Leola on the Missouri River.

Grateful for having shared Jay’s life are his wife, Faye Gunther of Frederick; daughter, Ashley and son, Austin(Lucinda) Gunther, both of Frederick; his grandchildren, Tristan, Emma, and Jacob Gunther of Frederick; parents, Delbert and Karen Gunther of Frederick; sister, Jill Gisi and brother, Tom Gunther, both of Frederick; his uncle, Duane (Donna) O’Neill of Jackson, MS; his aunt, Marge Walker of Aberdeen, SD; nephews, Chris Paulson of Pierpont, SD and Matthew (Heather) Gisi of Frederick; Faye’s sister and brothers; and numerous cousins.

Jay was preceded in death by his Father-in-law Elwood Lechner, Mother-in-law Ann German, and Brother-in-law Curtis Merkel.