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Jay Levi Ensrud, 87, of Chehalis, Washington, passed away at Sheridan Memorial Nursing Home in Plentywood, Montana, on Sept. 22, 2026.
Jay was born on March 18, 1939, in McVille, North Dakota, to Conrad and Cora Ensrud. His family later moved to Chehalis, Washington, where Jay grew up with his three siblings and remained a longtime member of the community. As a young man, Jay joined the United States Navy and was stationed in Hawaii, where he worked fueling airplanes. His time in the Navy was an important chapter in his life and reflected the strong work ethic and sense of adventure that would remain with him throughout his years.
On June 7, 1969, Jay married the love of his life, Geraldine (Coleman) Ensrud, at St. John Lutheran Church in Chehalis. They shared 53 years of marriage and built a life together in Chehalis. Jay was the father of Charles “Chuck” Ensrud (Dana) and Kevin Wilson (Lisa).
Jay worked for Cummings Oil Company for 37 years. During the late 1970s and early 1980s, he also worked part time for Steve’s Suzuki, which later became Powersports NW, helping support Chuck’s motocross racing. Jay had a passion for motorcycles of his own and loved riding both street and trail dirt bikes.
Jay was a kid at heart and had the hobbies to show it. He had a love for photography, developed his own photographs and enjoyed building and flying remote-control airplanes. He was always ready to throw a football, play wiffle ball or badminton, or challenge someone to a game of lawn darts — back when lawn darts were legal. His playful nature and enthusiasm for life brought fun and laughter to those around him.
Jay was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Geraldine (Coleman) Ensrud; his parents, Conrad and Cora Ensrud; his sister, Janice (Ensrud) Pomerenk; brothers-in-law James Pomerenk, Louis Haynes and Brady Pollard; sisters-in-law Irlene Haynes and Janet Pollard;
He is survived by his brother, Roger Ensrud; sister, Gwen Bell; son Charles “Chuck” Ensrud (Dana); grandsons Koletin Ensrud (Angélica) and Hunter Ensrud; son Kevin Wilson (Lisa); granddaughters Madison and Staci; brothers-in-law Ron Coleman (Lena) and Irl Coleman (Terry); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Jay will be remembered for his gentle, quiet spirit, his sense of humor and his youthful sense of fun. He had a kind and easygoing nature and found joy in the simple things in life. He brought laughter and warmth to those around him and never needed to be the center of attention. His gentle presence, quiet kindness and genuine way of enjoying life left a lasting impression on the people who knew and loved him.
A graveside service at Claquato Cemetery in Chehalis will be planned at a later date.
