Jason Jon Baures

Jason "Jay" Baures of Grasston passed away on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis at the age of 50.

Jason Jon Baures was born on July 4, 1975, to Ruth (VerSaevel) DeSaer in Marshall, MN. Upon his birth, Ruth made the courageous decision to place Jay for adoption, where he was welcomed with open arms by his forever family, Francis and Norma (Larson) Baures.

Jay grew up in Winona, MN, and graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1994. Throughout his high school years, he was known for his mischievous spirit, his love of sports, and his exceptional talent on the hockey rink. Growing up along the Mississippi River, Jay was an avid fisherman — often staying out until dark even when his dad told him otherwise. Independent and determined, Jay always had a mind of his own.

His love for hockey was unmatched; he embodied the sport both on and off the ice. After high school, Jay worked at the Happy Chef restaurant and as a bouncer at several local establishments before beginning his career in construction.

At age 24, Jay was reunited with his birth mother, Ruth, and gained three siblings and a stepfather, Richard. He later moved to Sleepy Eye to reconnect with his biological family — a move that led him to meet his first wife, and in 2004, to the birth of his first child, Jon.

In the summer of 2009, Jay met the love of his life, Melanie (Anderson) Baures. Together, they built a beautiful life, adding two more children, Charlie and Jack, to their family.

Jay loved his life and the simple joys that came with it — working with heavy equipment, mowing the lawn, building campfires, fishing whenever he could, or lending a hand to his father‑in‑law on the farm. He especially cherished his birthday (week), but his greatest pride and joy were his three children. Watching them grow, thrive in their sports, and become outstanding young people meant everything to him.

Jay’s passion for life and his capacity for love were unmatched. He will be deeply missed by everyone who knew him.

Jay is survived by Mel Baures; children Jon, Charlie, and Jack Baures; parents Ruth (Rich) DeSaer, Butch Baures, and Norma (Al) Thorn; siblings Kristeen (Jake) Paradis, Alisa (Von Mims) DeSaer, Tyler DeSaer, and Kim (Darrin) Mohan; mother-in-law Jeanie Anderson, sisters-in-law Mindy (Nick) Hagen, Missy (Jason) Mielke; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and step-siblings.

He was preceded in death by his stepmother Barbara Baures; father‑in‑law, Mike Anderson.

A Celebration of Jay's life is planned in the future, This obituary will run again with that information closer to the date.

Funeral arrangements are entrusted to: Funeral and Cremation Service of Rush City ~ Olson Chapel
www.FuneralAndCremationService.com