Steven “Jude” Jemtrud, 21, of Stanley, North Dakota, passed away on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota after a hard-fought battle for injuries sustained from an automobile accident.

Steven Jude Jemtrud was born on April 19, 2004 to Lacey Jemtrud, and spent the first eight years of life in Michigan before moving to North Dakota. Steven was bright, fun, and full of imagination. Steven loved family deeply and was incredibly proud to be a big brother. One of Steven’s greatest honors was naming the youngest sister.

Steven was known by many names. Family, especially mom and dad, lovingly called him Steven, while many friends knew and preferred the middle name Jude. Both names belonged to the same deeply loved soul, and both are held close by those who loved Steven Jude.

As a child, Steven dreamed of becoming a YouTuber. While fame never came, joy certainly did, countless hours were spent creating videos simply for the fun of it. Steven had a natural gift for connecting with people and carried that joy throughout life.

Steven loved spending time with friends, especially playing games like Magic: The Gathering, and Dungeons & Dragons. Those games often stretched late into the night and early morning hours, filled with laughter, strategy, and storytelling. Friendships meant everything to Steven, and loyalty ran deep. Steven would drop anything at a moment’s notice to be there for a friend in need. The Fourth of July was Steven’s favorite holiday. The day was spent with the people closest friends and family, chasing one another around with Roman candles. Steven always put on a great fireworks show and even blew up a watermelon. As night fell, everyone would watch the fireworks while cuddled up near the bonfire.

Steven also loved skateboarding and waited longer than most to get a driver’s license simply because skateboarding brought freedom and joy. Photography was another passion—Steven loved capturing the moments of nature and everyday life. While traveling in Japan, Steven purchased a new camera and was excited to continue seeing the world through that lens. Steven loved reading and would often read the same book twice. One favorite, The Perks of Being a Wallflower, held a quote that reflected how Steven saw the world: “We accept the love we think we deserve.” A line Steven thought was worth reading twice.

Steven loved fishing, a skill learned from a great-grandfather. Music was always close to Steven’s heart. Concerts of all kinds filled Steven’s calendar. All types of live music were appreciated. The first instrument Steven mastered was the ocarina, it was learned during a single weekend camping trip and played nonstop. Music continued with the ukulele, guitar, and piano. Steven sang and played whenever given the chance and had a truly beautiful voice.

During high school, Steven and a friend formed a band, Goodmorning Guilty, playing many gigs. Steven later stepped away from the band to pursue a career in EMS, though the music never stopped. Steven graduated from Stanley High School in 2023. That same summer marked a long-awaited moment. Steven was officially adopted by dad, Jarvis. A moment filled with love and meaning.

Steven’s first job was at the fountain in Dakota Drug, a role loved because it involved talking and meeting people. One day, Steven came home wearing a different shirt after trading with a stranger who admired it, an act that perfectly captured Steven’s kind and generous heart. With a natural ability to connect, Steven became an EMT and was frequently praised for compassionate patient care. After experiencing the emotional weight of loss, Steven chose to take time to focus on mental health and went to work in the oilfield as a transload operator, though often spoke of returning to EMS.

Steven kept a fishing pole and a guitar in the trunk at all times, you never know when a fish might bite or a song might need to be sung. Recently, Steven fulfilled a lifelong dream by traveling to Japan, deciding that life is meant to be lived fully. Plans were already forming to return someday, with Ireland and France next on the bucket list.

Steven was unique, never judgmental, and a true friend to all. Steven always listened, always cared, and always made others feel seen, valued, and loved.

On December 15, Steven was struck by a semi while traveling to work. After sustaining severe injuries Steven was flown to Regions Hospital in St Paul. We never knew the lungs would be the worst part of Stevens story. Steven fought hard for four weeks and later passed away on January 12, 2026 in the arms of mom, and surrounded by dad and sisters.

Steven was loved unconditionally.

Steven is survived by parents, Lacey and Jarvis Jemtrud; sisters, Karley and Khloe; grandparents, Pam and Kelly Jemtrud; great-grandparents, Bob and Toni Sherbrook; uncles, Kevin, Jesse, Jeremy, and Justin; aunts, Kevyn, Kaylyn, Kayla and Jen; cousins and numerous great-aunts and great-uncles; so many friends; and a world forever changed by Steven’s kindness, music, and love.