Jay Alder

Jay Alder, 63, of O'Neill passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2022 at his home in O'Neill. 

Visitation was held Friday, Feb. 4, 2022 at Word of Life Christian Center with a prayer service. 

Funeral Services were Saturday, February 5, 2022 at Word of Life Christian Center in O'Neill with Rev. Jim Loutzenhiser officiating. Military rites were provided by the O'Neill American Legion Simonson Post #93. 

Burial followed in the Dorsey Cemetery, north east of O'Neill.

Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation.

Arrangements were entrusted to Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill.

Jay Bryce Alder was born in O'Neill on June 21, 1958 to Tom and Arlene (Vavak) Alder. Along with his older brother Russell and younger brother Don, he spent his childhood years growing up on the family farm in the Dorsey area. He attended elementary country school at Dorsey and graduated from Verdigre High School in May of 1976.

In Nov. 1977, Jay met the love of his life, Beverli DeKay. After 7 months of dating, they were married on June 24, 1978. 

Two weeks after they were married, they both left for boot camp in the U.S. Army. Jay graduated from Boot Camp in Ft. Knox, KY and he and Bev were then stationed in Ft. Riley, KS, where their first child, Amanda, was born. Jay served in the U.S. Army for 4 years active and 2 years reserves. His military duties included serving as a scout and border patrol trooper in the 2nd Squadron of the 11th Armored Cavalry Blackhorse Regiment in Bad Kissingen, Germany. He also earned expert marksman, the rank of sergeant, and was a track commander in his headquarters troop.

After being honorably discharged from the Army in July 1982, Jay and Bev settled in north central Nebraska, mainly the O'Neill area. It was also in 1982 that Jay made the most important decision of his life: accepting Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. Over the course of the next 11 years, four more children were born to Jay and Bev's union, their son Tyler, and 3 more daughters, Jessica, Katrina and Clarissa. 

Over the years Jay worked at various jobs including construction, hog farming, insurance sales, retail and maintenance. He was also very involved in his church where he helped teach Sunday school and served for many years as a Royal Rangers boys group leader. Jay thoroughly enjoyed teaching and storytelling and had such a heart for telling others about Christ.  

He was a hero in the true sense of the word, as he saved his grandson Isaiah's life when he was choking and also rescued and revived a family friend's child in a drowning accident. 

Jay was a very loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather. He absolutely loved spending time with his family – especially the 14 grandchildren God blessed him with. He truly treasured each one. He loved the outdoors and enjoyed many hobbies including: hunting, fishing, nature, guns, camping, wilderness survival, and woodworking. He was a friend to everyone he met and he will always be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his compassion, his fun sense of humor, his love and pride for his country, and his devotion and love for His Savior Jesus Christ.

Jay is survived by his wife of 43 years, Bev Alder of O'Neill; five children, Mandy (Rob) Chavez of O'Neill, Tyler Alder of O'Neill, Jessi (Ron) Allison of O'Neill, Katie (Nick) Harris of O'Neill, Clare (Derrik) Eiler of O'Neill; 14 grandchildren, Reece, Keeley, & Serena Chavez, Bryce Alder, Mattie, Nevaeh, Ezra, & Isaiah Allison, Charlie, Gracie, Mollie, & Sonnie Harris, Aria & Belle Eiler; one brother, Don (Emily) Alder of Verdigre; two nephews Brent (Sara) Alder of O'Neill and Steve (Tatje) Alder of Lincoln; mother-in-law Norma DeKay Moreland of O'Neill; and many other special family and friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Arlene Alder; one brother Russell Alder; father-in-law Norman DeKay and sister-in-law Donna DeKay.