Jay Braband went to be with Jesus on Saturday, June 1, 2024, when he passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family following a brief, courageous battle with cancer. Jay is survived by his wife of 45 years, Barb; sons Sam (Stacie) and Gretta, Forrest, and Ruth from Fairbanks, AK; and Ben (Carlie) and Weslie and Mayes from Ankeny, IA.

A celebration of Jay’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 7, 2024, at Westview Church, 1155 SE Boone Dr., Waukee, IA. Visitation will be held from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. on Friday prior to the service at the church. Jay will be laid to rest in a private service at the Pine Hill Cemetery in Des Moines.

Jay's service will be livestreamed on the Westview Church Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/westviewchurch.waukee/. 

Jay Braband was born to Bernard “Barney” and Donna (Kettleson) Braband on February 24, 1956, in Sheldon, Iowa. As the fourth of 4 sons and 2 sisters, Jay was raised in northwest Iowa in Ashton and Cherokee. His idyllic childhood was marked with fond memories of playing with his brothers in a small town with a unique freedom to ride bikes, swimming in the town sand pits, building snow forts in the back yard, and playing games like “Man from Uncle” all over town. Donna’s dinner bell helped to beckon them back home. Jay’s love of camping stemmed from his Dad and Mom, who started with nearby camping trips but eventually lengthened them to include Canada, the great Northwest, and many national parks. All six kids and parents packed into a family, non-air-conditioned station wagon for these epic journeys. Jay’s childhood was a musical one, shared by all siblings. Jay enjoyed playing freshmen football, but moved on to tennis, and he was also remembered for his hard-slamming, left-arm extended basketball dribble during pick-up games.

Following graduation from Cherokee High School (1974), Jay attended college at Iowa State University (Distributive Studies Major), followed by a Master of Divinity (MDiv) that he began at Regent College in Vancouver, Canada and completed at Dubuque Seminary. His first years of ministry were based in campus ministry with InterVarsity Christian Fellowship in northeast IA until 1989. Jay was ordained in the Reformed Church of America in 1990, He served congregations in Altoona (1989-1993) and served as the founding pastor of Westview Church in Waukee, IA (1993-2010). He was called to start an outreach ministry in Portland, Oregon focused on ministering to vulnerable populations until retirement in 2021, before returning to reside in Johnston, IA, near family.

During high school, Jay, and Barb (Marquardt) established a fun long-term friendship that eventually led to marriage on October 14, 1978. The couple was blessed with two sons, Sam and Ben, and made their home in Cedar Falls, the Des Moines area, and Portland. Jay took pride in renovating each home along the way. Jay was a devoted family man who treasured time spent in nature while on camping trips, hunting with dogs, fishing, and riding his Triumph motorcycle with Barb. The family enjoyed various travel adventures across the western U. S. and internationally. As an avid sports fan, Jay followed ISU sports; and was known for his love of reading, typically history and Christian authors. Jay enjoyed sharing his remarkable wit and teasing others, and treasured relationships. Most of all, he valued time spent with Barb, sons and their wives, and grandkids. His quality, imaginary playtimes spent with his sons and grandkids are cherished memories. As husband, he led daily prayer and devotions with Barb, while his adventurous and charming spirit took them on some amazing journeys and experiences.

Together Jay and Barb shared a servant’s heart, enriching communities through their partnership in ministry. Jay’s visionary leadership approach to ministry contributed to the establishment of several outreach organizations including Waukee Christian Services (food pantry, free clinic, and community garden); the Journey 3 daily emails, online groups, and outreach ministry at Rivergate Church in Portland, OR; and a family homeless shelter in Portland. His ministry was based in relational evangelism, mentorship, and humble service resulting in many persons who came to know Jesus as a personal savior.

In lieu of flowers, the family will direct memorial gifts to the Waukee Christian Services (food pantry and free clinic), and outreach ministries at Rivergate Church in Portland, OR.