Jayson Lee Altmann was born on May 27, 1959 to Earl and Beverly (Steinhaus) Altmann in New Ulm, MN and passed away on June 3, 2024 in Moorhead, MN. The second of six children, he grew up on a farm near St. George, MN and in Sleepy Eye, MN.
He graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato with a major in Political Science with a minor in History. Jayson went on to work for MN District 1 Congressman Tim Penny for eight years. His creativity and talent as a journalist led him to work for the Herald-Dispatch newspaper. He also sold his cartoons to cartoonists across the county.
Jayson always said, “My biggest joy in life is my children.” Jayson was married to Linda Johnson and in this union three children were born, Sarah, Ike, and Hannah. He loved to go exploring with his kids and walking fast. (Any “last stall” parkers in the crowd?) He shared his passion for music and MN sports, especially baseball. His kids describe him as a compassionate human being with an eternal curiosity for learning.
He loved watching, joking, and having conversations about the MN Twins. He enjoyed opening baseball cards with family members and was nearly unbeatable at Fantasy Baseball. From a young age, Jayson was creatively inclined. He drew and painted abstract art. He was looking forward to soon having his artwork displayed in Fargo/Moorhead. He had a close bond with his mother and they enjoyed spending time together watching the MN Twins and several other TV shows.
Jayson’s other interests included watching Mystery Science Theater 3,000 (MST3K), “the Mysties”, befriending stray cats, playing chess and cards, collecting marbles, keys, postcards and records. Jayson’s love for music was only paralleled by his love for his kids. He would track and catalog his thousands of CD’s. He loved to quiz his family by playing ‘Name that Tune’ and asking ‘Who Sings This?’. ABC (Song/Artist) game anyone?
Jayson struggled with chronic pain and addiction throughout his life. In his final years he spent his time in recovery and moved up north to be closer to family. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and being a part of their lives. He thrived and found a zest for life living close to them.
Jayson is survived by three children: Sarah Altmann (Wil Linebaugh) of Barnesville, MN, Ike (Nancy) Altmann of Mankato, MN, Hannah Altmann (Eric Hanson) of Madison, SD, three grandchildren: Evalyn, Caydance, Harper, five siblings: Jeffrey (Tina) Altmann of Sleepy Eye, MN, Tim (Robin) Altmann of Sleepy Eye, MN, Lisa (Barry) Hillmann of Sleepy Eye, MN, Kelly Altmann (Tim Lambert) of Eden Prairie, MN, Grant (Bridget) Altmann of Minneapolis, MN, and several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation will be from 5-7 PM, Saturday, June 8, at Dobmeier Funeral Home in Barnesville, MN with the service and time of sharing and remembrance at 7:00 PM. Funeral attire is MN sports clothing, your favorite band shirt, or any comfortable clothing. His cremains will be buried in the Home Cemetery in Sleepy Eye, MN at a later date.
