LtCol Jay H. Lietzow, USMC (Ret.)

Passed away at home after a thirteen-month battle with Pancreatic Cancer on September 25th, 2025.

Preceded in death by parents Ira and Harriet and sister Joan. Survived by wife Marlene of 49 years; son Joshua (Cindi) and granddaughter Lily; daughter Christina; sister Pamela Kedzierzawski (Ed), brother Jon Olson (Kathy); brother-in-law Dorvan Hagen; sister-in-law Charlene Brenner (Jim), LeeAnn Lanpher; brother-in-law Thomas Whitrock (Martha); many nieces, nephews, special friends, and family.

Jay was born in Hopkins, Minnesota. The family moved to Stillwater where he graduated high school. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota. On October 2nd of 1975, Jay stepped on the yellow footprints at MCRD San Diego and began his career in the United States Marine Corps. He served 30 years in the Marine Corps. The first 4 years he was a radio operator. The remaining 26 years his MOS was in Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD). He was stationed at Camp Pendleton, Beaufort, South Carolina, Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea. While Jay was stationed at Camp Pendleton he attended National University and received his Bachelor of Arts. He went on to receive his Master of Business Administration from Chaminade University while stationed in Hawaii. He served in the Gulf War where he was exposed to the burning oil pits, causing his Pancreatic Cancer. In 1997, he relocated to Springfield, Virginia. He was assigned to the Department of Threat Reduction Agency. While assigned to DTRA he traveled the world including Nepal, Brussels, Japan, Germany, France, London, and Belgium. Oh the sights he saw! On December 2nd, 2005, he retired from the US Marine Corps. He decided it was time to return home to Minnesota. After Jay retired he was active with the VFW, American Legion, Mason’s, Eastern Star, Heroes of ’76, and Sojourner’s. He enjoyed volunteering with numerous organizations helping and working with children. He had a special talent for making balloon animals, toy bow and arrows, and marshmallow guns to keep the children entertained.

In lieu of flowers, Jay and his family request memorials in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project.

Visitation on Monday, October 27th, 2025 from 4:00-8:00 pm at Kapala Glodek-Malone Funeral Home, 7800 Bass Lake Rd, New Hope, MN 55428. Starting at 6:00 pm there will be several rituals taking place during the visitation to honor Jay being completed by the Masons, Former VFW Post #7051, and Eastern Star.

Celebration of Life Service on Tuesday, October 28th, 2025 at 11:00 am with Visitation for 1 hour prior to Service at Hometown Church , 3351 Independence Ave N, New Hope, MN 55427. Luncheon to follow at the Crystal VFW, 5222 Bass Lake Rd, Crystal, MN 55428.

Private Family Burial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.