Jerome Fay

Jerome William (Bill) Fay, Center, ND, bounced into the world on September 30th, 1952, in Minot, ND. He was the 4th of 5 children born to John (Wally) and Joan (Emerson) Fay. The name William was chosen for a middle name to appease his older brothers who insisted that he should be “Billy the Kid” or “Wild Bill.” It seems he lived up to the name.

He was born with the face of an angel and a singing voice to go with it! Bill had a beautiful boy soprano voice which he used all over the Columbus, ND area where he grew up. He even learned to tap dance, (inspired by Joan Bonsness), which came in handy for many of the productions in Columbus.

The family moved from Minot to Columbus and then to Bismarck where Bill attended Hughes Jr. High and graduated from Bismarck High School. After graduation, Bill attended Minot State University, where he majored in Music, having the opportunity to perform in several Opera productions. He also attended UND.

Bill took a job, which became a career, with Baukol – Noonan Mine (BNI) in 1977, and July 10th of that year, in Fort Collins Colorado, he married his precious LuAnn Elstad. They lived in Center for most of their married life. Their friends and family knew them as “BillandLu”. They loved to travel, golf, fish and spend time with good friends. Bill was an avid hunter. 

Bill held the highest esteem for his crew at work. He considered them family.

After losing LuAnn in 2016, Bill was rescued by Judy Tveter, who has spent the past 8 years patiently helping Bill with his life. Bill’s family will be forever grateful to her. Bill left the planet on November 18, 2024.

He is survived by his partner, Judy Tveter, his brothers John (Carolyn), Littleton, CO, and Tim (Gareth), Bismarck, his sisters Teri, Bismarck, and Deirdre (Patrick) Harkins, Dungloe, Ireland.

 Bill was preceded in death by his wife LuAnn and his parents Joan and Wally Fay.

 Cremation has taken place and a memorial will be held next spring. There will be a private burial in Bowbells, ND.