Jay Brent Martin

Jay Brent Martin died peacefully surrounded by family after a long courageous battle with cancer, on February 19, 2025. 

He was born on June 27, 1965 in Bismarck, North Dakota to Alfred and Jeannette Martin. He grew up on a farm near Balfour with an older brother, Neal, and numerous cats, dogs and horses, and cattle. He attended Balfour Public School until the fall of 1979. After that he attended Dakota Adventist Academy. Jay graduated in the spring of 1982. In the fall of 1982, he and Neal moved to Oklahoma where they attended horseshoeing school for approximately a year. They then started up their own horseshoeing business back in Minot, North Dakota as Jay was going to nursing school.

After graduating from nursing school, Jay moved to Rochester, MN in 1989. After working in an intensive care unit for approximately 3 1/2 years, he entered nurse anesthesia school. In 1995, he graduated from CRNA school and worked at the Methodist Hospital for 20 years before moving to St Mary’s in 2015. In those years, Jay became a father of two wonderful sons- Cole was born in May of 1998 and Connor was born in March of 2000. Jay enjoyed playing with his kids, soccer and fishing/camping/outdoors activities. They were definitely his best success by far. He also enjoyed his work. His greatest joy was to work with students and see them become competent CRNAs. 30 years of promoting the upcoming classes year after year has been a highlight of his career.

In May of 2022, five months after he and Jen bought the property of their dreams, he was diagnosed with metastatic colorectal cancer. It had spread to his lungs and was inoperable. After over 50 rounds of chemotherapy, it was decided to discontinue any further therapies. He and Jen continued to live life to the fullest and enjoy each other’s company.

He is survived by his wife, Jen Martin; two sons, Cole Martin (Sydney), Connor Martin (Alexis). His three stepsons Brady Rahman (Annie), Eric Rahman (Kelli), and Chase Rahman (Alexandra). His four wonderful grandchildren Claire, Jack, Hannah, Sam, and brother, Neal (Chris).

A Celebration of Jay’s life will be held on March 1, 2025 at Adamson’s Tavern on the Green, 1800 Clubhouse Dr. NE, Stewartville, MN 55976. Cards may be sent to Jen Martin, 7099 County Rd. 139, Stewartville, MN 55976. To share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com