TAMA- Jay Alan Backen, age 38, of Tama, died Sunday, January 18, 2009 at his parent's home in rural Tama following a sudden illness. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 10:30 AM at St. John Lutheran Church in rural Tama with Pastor Herbert J. Knudten officiating. Interment will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery in rural Tama. Visitation will be Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 4-7 PM at the Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home in Tama.
Jay was born on November 10, 1970, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Robert and Dorothy (Allen) Backen.
He graduated from South Tama County High School in 1990. He was formerly employed at Stewart Lumber in Marshalltown and WENCO Manufacturing in Grinnell. He also helped on the family farm. Jay was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in rural Tama. His greatest enjoyment was spending time on the farm and being with his family. Jay was always eager to help out wherever he was needed.
Preceding him in death were his grandparents, Julius and Vera Backen, and Bill and Chloris Allen; and one brother-in-law, Todd Keller.
Survivors include his parents, Robert and Dorothy Backen of Tama; one brother, James Backen of Tama; five sisters, Janice (Tom) Upah of Chelsea, Julie (Tom) Wilkerson of Toledo, Joyce (Thom) Wilson of Tama, Jolene Keller of Toledo, and Jeri (Bryan) Ellenbecker of Tama; his nieces and nephews, Matthew and Kristen Upah, Brent and Eric Wilkerson, Jennifer and Bethany Wilson, Carter McDermott, Brooke and Blake Keller, and Brady, Taylor and Bryce Ellenbecker; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.
A memorial fund has been established.