Jeffrey Jay LaDuke

Jeffrey Jay LaDuke, 59, of Bloomington, MN, passed away on 11/5/2026. 

Known as “Jay” for most of his life, He was born on March 6, 1967, in St. Louis Park, MN, to Partick Sr. and Marladene LaDuke. Jay grew up in Bloomington, MN, and attended John F. Kennedy High School, but some of his happiest memories were made during summers in Ontonagon, MI, on the shores of the Gitche Gumee (Lake Superior). There, surrounded by his brothers, cousins, and family, he spent carefree days on the beach and evenings around bonfires. Those were stories he spoke of often, remembering not only the place but the people who made it special. To him, his cousins were never just cousins; they were brothers and sisters, lifelong companions in a childhood he treasured deeply.

Jay lived life on his own terms and was never afraid to be his true self. He loved dancing, good music, and anything old-school and uncomplicated. He enjoyed a good beer, a cigarette, a hot cup of black coffee, and cheering on the Vikings, always hopeful that this would be their year.

He stood by his convictions with confidence and good humor. And when he happened to be wrong, he had a way of making it seem as though he'd known the answer all along, leaving those who loved him smiling and shaking their heads at the same time.

He enjoyed a good movie or television show and was always happy to recommend one, even if he couldn't quite remember what it was called.

One of his favorite pastimes was talking on the phone with family and friends, often spending hours catching up, sharing stories, and checking in on the people he loved. He rarely missed his daily call to his mother, a reflection of their special bond. To those who knew him best, it sometimes seemed as though he was on the phone with someone nearly every waking hour. Those calls were more than conversations; they were his way of reminding people that they mattered and keeping those he loved connected.

Though he enjoyed life's simple pleasures, nothing meant more to Jay than the people he loved and the memories they shared together.

Jay was preceded in death by his father, Patrick Sr.; his mother, Marla, and her husband, Dale; and his sweetheart, Anne Vetvick.

He is survived by his children, Jessica (Sam), Justin, Jacob, and Jacquelyn (Dan); his grandchildren, Kayleigh, Laina, Sophia, Sam, Isabella, Gabriella, Zoey, and Issabella; and his brothers, Pat (Sue) and Derrick (Terri). He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Lewis (Aneka), Amber (Steve), Alex (Madilyn), Alissa (Shane), Jeremy, Joey (Anna), and Jonny (Bri); his stepmother, Judy; and his many beloved cousins and friends, both near and far.

A Celebration of Life will be held on December 6th from 2 to 5 PM at the Bayport American Legion, 263 3rd Street N., Bayport, MN. The room will stay open until 6:30 PM for anyone who would like to stay and watch the Vikings game.

Funeral services are entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Hudson. For more information or to share a memory, please visit www.oconnellfuneralhomes.com or call 715-386-3725