The funeral service for Jay A. Bergland, of Albert Lea, was held at 10:30 a.m. Monday, Oct. 14, at the First Presbyterian Church in Albert Lea. The Rev. Dwight Netzer officiated. Interment will be in Graceland Cemetery. Visitation was from 4-6 p.m. Sunday at Bonnerup Funeral Service in Albert Lea, and one hour before services at the church.

Jay died on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2002, at the Hennepin County Medical Center. He was 37.

He was born on April 4, 1965, in Albert Lea, the son of John and Joanne (Anderson) Bergland.

He attended Hayward and Albert Lea schools.

Jay had lived in the Twin Cities for about 10 years where he was a nursing assistant. He returned to Albert Lea in 1993, where worked at St. John’s Lutheran Home, Woodvale, and Elm Homes. He was certified as a CNA and TMA.

Jay enjoyed crafts, antiques, and cooking.

Jay loved being surrounded by people and making them laugh.

He will be greatly missed by his family: mother, Joanne and her husband LaVerne E. Olson of Emmons; sister, Deb and her husband Dick Polley of Albert Lea; two brothers: Stan “Gene” Smith and his wife Audrey of Burnsville, and John Smith and his wife Barb of Eyota; maternal grandmother, Dorothea Anderson of St. John’s Lutheran Home; nieces and nephews: Angie Thostenson of Rice, Jessica Abbott of Rosemount, R.J. Polley of Albert Lea, Tandy and Bruce Lewis of Albert Lea, Willie Lewis of Burnsville, and Janeile and Joshua Smith of Eyota; several great- nieces and nephews; many other special people including aunts: Mary Stevens and her husband Dwight of Albert Lea, and Sandy Fisher and her husband Bobby of Carson City, Nev.; uncle, John Anderson and his wife Marlene of Chino, Calif.; cousin and friend, Marcene Miranda and Reuben of Albert Lea; and friend, Jeff Schleif.

He will be especially missed by his pet cat, Gibraud.

Jay is preceded in death by his father, John A. Bergland; maternal grandfather, John Anderson; and paternal grandparents: Agnes and Nels Bergland.