Jay Donald Ochsner was born November 8, 1941 the son of J. Donald “Don” Ochsner and Fern Barrett (both deceased). He was a lifelong resident of Custer County. Before he was forced to move into town due to medical issues about a year ago, he often made the statement that he had seven mailing addresses but never moved once! He started school at 5 years old as Grandma was the teacher at the SY School. While he attended Custer County High School, he was among the first Cowboys to be a state wrestling champion. He was also involved with 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. He graduated in 1959. He then attended Montana State College (now MSU-Bozeman). While there, he was involved with the ground roots of what has become the Museum of the Rockies. He graduated from college in 1964. As part of his ROTC, he served in the Army in Korea. Upon his return from the military, he joined his dad and brother on the family ranch. A few years later at a wedding, he was introduced to Mom, Darlene Raschkow, by Mom’s cousin, who was also a friend of Dad’s. They were married at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Miles City on April 20, 1974. It was actually forecast to snow that day, but it turned out to be beautiful! (They recently celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary.) To that union were born the two of us, Douglas Jay (Miles City) and Shaun Christopher (Cedar Rapids, IA). He also volunteered for over 46 years with Rural Fire serving as a firefighter, chief, board member and President. He was an accomplished welder, and enjoyed leather tooling and woodworking. He was also very knowledgeable about engines and all things mechanical.
Jay passed away on June 9, 2019. In addition to Mom and us, Dad leaves behind one brother, Gary (Diana) of Miles City; two sisters, Janet (Garry) Steinley of Sidney and Susan (Larry) Caddell of Deer Lodge; three granddaughters Allie, Hailey and Leilah all of Cedar Rapids, IA; and numerous nieces and nephews & grandnieces and nephews and brothers-in-law Tony Raschkow (Sundance, WY) and Bill (Roseann) Raschkow of Miles City.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home with family receiving friends from 4:00-6:00 p.m. Services will be held on Thursday, June 13, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home. Military graveside services will follow in the Eastern Montana State Veterans’ Cemetery with full military honors. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Custer County Fire Department, the Friends of the Miles City Public Library or to the charity of your choice.
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 12, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Thursday June 13, 2019
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
Service Schedule
Family to Receive Friends
4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Wednesday June 12, 2019
Stevenson and Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Memorial Service
1:00 p.m.
Thursday June 13, 2019
Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home
1717 Main Street
Miles City, MT
Interment with Full Military Honors
Following Services
Thursday June 13, 2019
Eastern Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Miles City, MT
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Beth Ann Wiedeman says
Sending prayers to your family.
April Thompson says
To the Family of Jay D Ochsner,
So sorry to hear if Jay’s passing. Prayers for peace and comfort.
Tom Clarke says
I’m so sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. He was a classmate, and all of the CCHS Class of ’59 will miss him.
Carol Rath Raschkow says
Darlene, Douglas, Shaun and all of Jay’s family,,, You are all in my heart and prayers.. I have many wonderful memories of Jay.. I will never forget him taking the time to take my boys under his wing and show them the fire trucks and equipment , and always made homemade wooden toys for them. He was a wonderful uncle and a really good man!!! May God Bless you during this time of mourning,, I love you all Carol
Vanessa says
Will miss you uncle jay …prayers aunt darlene shaun and doug and the rest of the family..hes at peace and no more pain
Love vanessa
Margaret Mathers Novak says
The Oschners were all dear to us Matherses as we grew up together in First Presbyterian Church. Fern was our Sunday School Superintendent. I remember being in awe of Jay, as he was the oldest of the kids of our families. I remember him as a great role model. My sympathy to you all as you face the days ahead without your father and brother.?and I thank God for the years the Oschners and Matherses were friends. What a great childhood we had!
M J CRANDALL says
My sympathy
Rosa Esteves Nerbonne says
My sympathies to the family. I remember turning hay bales out on the farm. Dad did work for the family periodically. They are all great people. He will be missed.
Tom and Lillian Ostendorf says
Our condolences to all the family for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wayne Ternes says
Thoughts and prayers to all of Jay’s family. Jay is finally at resting in peace. God speed Jay….
Connie Gillette says
My deepest condolences to the family.
Christina Vosen Ostendorf says
Thinking of you, Doug and Darlene. I’m sorry to hear your father and husband passed. Our prayers and condolences are with you as you go through this difficult time!
Mike & Judy Toennis Family says
Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
David & Danette Olguin says
Prayers to all of you at this difficult time.
Lee Akers says
Jay was a good friend, a good farmer, and an excellent, dedicated fireman. I will miss him.
Doug Benge says
Our families have been friends for many years years, and Jay was very much that. Entrepreneurial, hard working, all around good guy. The community will miss him. Best wishes to all the Ochsner family.
Mary Dworshak says
Prayers for Jay and his family in thanksgiving for his kindness to many people over the years, and especially to his support of many 4-H activities when we were in high school.
Marian says
Thoughts and Prayers are with the you Darlene. Our Lord, Family & friends will be your
comfort support. God’s Peace & Wonderful Memories
hold you and surround you today & always.
Love ❤️ & Blessings
Michael Preller says
Jay was an excellent man. Anyone who knew Jay can attest to his many qualities such as being a dedicated husband, father, friend and member of the community. I had the privilege of meeting Jay through the many years on the Custer County Rural Fire. Jay did more for our community than anyone will ever know. He could figure out anything he set his mind to and was willing to take the time to teach people. To Darlene, Douglas and Shaun, I want to thank you for sharing your father with all of us. Jay was a wonderful man and has left a legacy that will endure through you, your families and all of those he touched. I just found out that Jay passed and feel terrible that I was not able to attend his funeral. May God bless and comfort you all at this time. Jay is waiting for you in Heaven!
Dolores Meidinger Willson says
So very sorry to hear of Jay’s passing. May all your precious memories sustain you in your time of sorrow.
John P. Shevlin says
My sympathies to the Ochsner family. Jay was a great friend. I remember working at the Ochsner chicken farm with Jay and his dad, when I was first married. Then the many years bowling on their bowling team. Great memories of all the Ochsners.
Arnold Malone says
Arnold Malone writes:
To all who ever knew Jay, you will know that he was a person of extraordinary character. He was my first year hall friend at Montana State College and my roommate for the next three years. I admired his integrity, his quick grasp of information, his unwavering honesty, his commitment to country and his warmth of friendship. He was quick to see a need with others and fast to pitch in and help when possible. He meant so much to so many. May his family and friends know that I share in your sadness while taking comfort in knowing that he shared so many good qualities for us to follow .He has left a trail of goodness.
Jim Thompson says
Many wonderful 4H memories of Jay and the family. So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers to all.