In Remembrance

In Loving Memory of Jason Stainbrook
January 17^th, 1970- October 28, 2025

Jason Stainbrook, age 55, passed away this week, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and unforgettable memories. Born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota, Jason’s life was a rich tapestry woven with deep relationships, vibrant passions, and a heart that touched everyone who knew him.

Jason spent many years in Richfield, Minnesota, but in 2019, his heart led him back north to Duluth — and back to his high school sweetheart, Carri. Their reunion was a beautiful chapter in his life, filled with joy, adventure, and unconditional love. Together, they created a warm and welcoming home nestled below Hawk’s Ridge in the Lakeside neighborhood, a place overflowing with love, laughter, and the scent of Carri’s everblooming flower garden.

Jason’s incredible son, Griffyn Stainbrook, joined him on this journey north and went on to graduate from the University of Minnesota–Duluth. Go Bulldogs! Jason was endlessly proud of Griffyn and the man he became.

Jason was a man who savored every experience. He spent two unforgettable summers working at a guest ranch in Estes Park, Colorado, proudly holding the title of “Aquatic Engineer” — which, yes, meant pool boy — but for Jason, it was about the joy of the moment and the people he met. His love of culinary arts first blossomed while working at Sidney’s and Broder’s in Uptown Minneapolis, MN. He was a master of the grill, especially when preparing a good steak paired with fresh vegetables from Carri’s garden. Even as his health declined, Jason found joy in making gourmet smoothies and a stellar cup of coffee for Carri every morning.

Professionally, Jason worked as a District Service Manager for EnerSys, a role that took him across the Midwest. He had a special fondness for Milwaukee and Door County, WI — so much so that he always stayed in the same hotel room on each visit. He knew every curve of the road, every local restaurant, and likely every friendly face in town.

Jason was a man of many passions. He loved music, cars, motorcycles — especially his beloved 1986 Corvette “Yvette” — and was known as the ultimate dog whisperer, he loved his dogs Rasha, Ruby, Jax, and Amber – also known as “Amblin Amber”. He had a gift for photography, a love for hiking, and a quiet soul that found peace in writing poetry. He was a walking encyclopedia of random facts, always ready to share insights into Duluth’s freighters, restaurants, or the best smoked meats and hot dogs within a 500-mile radius.

Jason and Carri often took scenic drives up the North Shore, visited Split Rock Lighthouse, and spent a week each summer at Loon Lake on the Gunflint Trail. Locally, he cherished time at Enger Tower and anywhere he could gaze out over the majestic Lake Superior.

He is survived by his life partner and soulmate, Carri Prudhomme, his son Griffyn Stainbrook, and Carri’s children Sarah and Joshua Prudhomme, whom Jason all loved deeply. He also leaves behind Nicole Flemming, former partner and mom of his son Griffyn. Jason’s devotion to his family was unwavering.

He is also survived by his sisters: Jacalyn Wiertzema of Strafford, MO, Jannelle (Jake) Kluch of Sun City West, AZ, and Julie (Kenny) Spangler of Springfield, MO. Niece Shannon (David) Darr, and Nephews, Joshua Wiertzema, Jacob (Allison) Kluch. Great nieces and nephews, Kody (Kahlan) Wiertzema, Eli Nunnally, and Peyton Kluch, Great-Great niece Arabella Wiertzema. Each held a special place in his heart.

Jason lived with a zest for life and a smile that said, “I see you.” Everyone who met him felt his warmth, his humor, and his deep capacity for love.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff at Solvay Hospice House, Carri and Jannelle could have not gotten through this without you all. If you feel inclined to honor Jason’s memory, donations may be made to Animal Allies of Duluth and Solvay Hospice House of Duluth.

Rest easy, Jason. You were truly one of a kind.