Jay Gurney

Jay Merrit Gurney, 75, passed away unexpectedly on April 5, 2026, at his home in Yankton, South Dakota. Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm Wednesday, April 15 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Jay’s memorial service will be 11:00 am Thursday April 16 at the Opsahl-Kostel Funeral Home in Yankton. Online condolences may be sent to www.okfhc.com. Livestreaming of Jay’s memorial service can be viewed at https://server.attend.live/static/event/o2A5N. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jim Reaney, Ross VanDerhule, Keith Toczek, Jim Gurney, Randy Ramsley.

Born in Yankton on January 6, 1951, to Sidney and Dorothy “Jane” (Pederson) Gurney, he followed in the footsteps of his family’s nursery trade (since 1869), devoting his life’s work to horticulture. Jay and his wife Tracy (Holdorf) Gurney, co-owned and operated Yankton Nurseries together since 1978.

Jay was more than just a distinguished horticulturist and small business owner. He was a devoted husband, loving father, and could sing and play just about any one of Tom Petty’s songs on one of his several guitars.

He is survived by his wife, Tracy, and their three adult children and their partners: James (Hadley), Michael (Emily), and Emery (Dillon), as well as his siblings: DJ Ryan, Jim Gurney, Jo Carlson, and Jill McKee.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his best pal of 21 years, Plinko, the family Chihuahua. Though he carried the moniker, “The Last Nurseryman,” for many years—that isn’t necessarily true. His wife, Tracy; his son, Michael; and daughter-in-law, Emily, along with long-time associate, Cathy Weiss, each carry on his knowledge about all things green—oh!—and how to grow the best Pineapple heirloom tomato you’ve ever tasted!