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Dec. 4, 1983-Oct. 9, 2026
Rugby
Brett Christopher Jelsing McClintock, 42, passed away on October 9, 2026. He leaves behind a family who loved him deeply, countless memories, and a life story filled with talent, laughter, adventure, and a spirit that was entirely his own.
Brett was born on December 4, 1983 to Jill Jelsing.
Brett was my firstborn, the little boy who made me a mother and changed my life forever. For the first six years, it was just Brett and me, navigating life together, learning as we went and figuring things out, one day at a time. We were our own little team, building a bond that would always hold a special place in my heart. Those early years were the beginning of a lifetime of love and memories. When I met John, our family started a new chapter. John adopted Brett, becoming his dad and helping shape the family Brett would grow up in. In time, we went on to welcome three more boys, giving Brett three younger brothers and making him the oldest of four sons. Life brought changes over the years, but Brett remained the boy who first made me a mom and will always hold that special place in my heart.
Brett graduated from Rugby High School in 2002 and attended McNally-Smith Music College in St Paul, MN and went on to attain a BS in Marketing from Moorhead State University, Moorhead, MN.
Brett was a talented artist and musician, a man whose creativity and passions were woven into so many parts of his life. He had a remarkable ability to draw, and his artistic talent allowed him to bring the things he imagined to life on paper. Music was another of his gifts. He was a talented drummer and self-taught guitarist, and more recently, he had begun teaching himself to play the piano, always finding new ways to express himself through music.
Brett loved adventure and the freedom of being outdoors. Growing up, he spent many summer and fall weekends at the family lake cabin on Lake Metigoshe. In June 2017, he moved to Colorado, a place he grew to love deeply. He was an avid snowboarder, wakeboarder, and skateboarder who enjoyed the thrill of the ride and the sense of freedom it brought him. When he couldn’t be outdoors, he could be found cheering on his beloved UND Fighting Sioux hockey team and the Las Vegas Raiders (thanks, Uncle Darin). His time working in the marketing department at The Ralph was among his favorite memories, and he was incredibly proud of the work he did there.
When Brett took an interest in something, he was all in. Whether it was believing he was Superman at the age of 3, wearing his Superman pajamas, red cape, and yes, red underoos over his pajamas, just like Superman, and climbing any flagpole he could because he believed he could fly; memorizing every President of the United States and more facts about them than anyone could possibly need to know; or reciting all the books of the Bible from memory, Brett was always all in.
Brett’s life was not without struggles. While life was always worth celebrating, he battled alcoholism, a disease that ultimately took his life. Though that struggle was a painful part of his story, it does not define the whole of who he was. Brett was so much more than his addiction. He was an artist, a musician, a sports fan, an adventurer, and, above all, a beloved son, brother, uncle, and family member whose life mattered deeply.
To Brett, family was everything. He leaves behind his loving mother and stepfather, Jill and Rob St. Michel; his father, John McClintock; his three brothers, Brooks McClintock, Alex McClintock, and Jack (Lauren) McClintock; and his two nephews, Jude and Calvin. He also leaves behind his beloved dogs, Raider and Rugby, along with several aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. Brett was an active participant in “the cousins” Snapchat group, and his presence there, along with his unique sense of humor, will be greatly missed.
Brett was greeted in Heaven, undoubtedly with great surprise and even greater love, by his Grandma Mary, Grandpa Dwight, Grandma Eileen, and Grandpa John.
Though his life ended far too soon, the memories of his talents, passions, laughter, and the person he was will remain forever in the hearts of those who loved him.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. at First Lutheran Church in Rugby. The family will greet family and friends at 10:00 A.M. A reception will be held at the Rugby Eagles Club following the service.
www.niewoehnerfh.com
Published by The Minot Daily News, October 21, 2026.