Jay Carver Nygaard

He was born on October 27, 1970, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Rodney “Rod” Nygaard and Janice (Groth) Mann.

Jay grew up in Minnesota, and once he was around 13 years old, he would spend summers on the farm working for his grandparents Ervin and Neva Groth alongside his uncle Larry. He learned at a very young age about the rewards of hard work, and on the weekends, he would camp with family at Shades of Sherwood by Zumbrota.

In his junior year of high school, Jay became a father, and took on additional jobs to support his new family while maintaining his grades. He graduated from Hastings Senior High School in 1989 and continued his education at Dakota County Vo-Tech, also graduating in 1989. He built a career as a talented designer and landscaper, known for his creativity and craftsmanship.

On December 1, 1990, Jay married his first wife, Victoria. They had two sons together, David and Cody. After a total of 13 years together, they separated in 1998. Later on, Jay met Heidi. On September 26, 1998, they married, and together they also had two children, Camryn and Tanner Nygaard. Jay was a husband, father, and grandfather whose greatest joy came from his family.

Jay’s faith as a Christian guided him throughout his life. He had a passion for landscape design, plants, trees, fabrication, welding, furniture making, building, and farming. He also had a passion for music. In high school he was part of a select choir and even went on to form his own band, of which he played acoustic guitar and was the lead singer for. Those who knew him will remember his strong work ethic, and maybe more so his stubbornness.

He is survived by his wife, Heidi; his children, David (Rachael), Cody, Camryn (Ryan), and Tanner; his father, Rod (Terri) Nygaard; his mother, Jan Mann (Dennis) ; his brother, Darren (Jule) Nygaard; uncles Duane (Marilyn) Groth and Cary (Betty) Nygaard; aunt Susan Barnes, and many cousins. Jay was also a proud grandfather to Aria and Evie Nygaard.

Jay was preceded in death by his grandparents, stepfather Thomas Mann Sr., uncle Larry Groth, and granddaughter McKennah Marie Nygaard.

Jay’s legacy will live on through the projects he created, his family, and the many people he made friends with throughout his life.

A celebration of Jay's life is planned for May of 2026, details are to be announced.

Support Jays family:

https://gofund.me/51f239063