Jay K. Heller

RACINE - Jay K. Heller, age 77, passed away Thursday, March 4, 2010, at his residence surrounded by his loving family. Jay was born in Kewaunee, Ill., July 28, 1932, son of the late C. Max and Gladys E. (nee: Murchison) Heller. Growing up Jay was proud to be an Eagle Scout. He was a graduate of Washington Park High School 'Class of 1950.' He served in the United States Navy Sea Bees, Construction Unit, during the Korean War. On May 3, 1952 Jay was united in marriage to Lois Cook who preceded him in death in 1994. He was a member of the Carpenters Union Local #161 employed with Nelson Construction for thirty-five years, and last working at Architectural Associates until his retirement in 1997. On September 7, 1997 Jay was united in marriage to Janet Widmar at the Evangelical United Methodist Church. Being an accomplished musician Jay loved music and could play any wind or string instrument. He had a great love for animals and enjoyed traveling, cruising, wood carving, and blacksmithing. Above all, he treasured time spent with family and cherished many cruises with his good friends. He will be deeply missed. Survivors include his wife, Janet; his five children, Rick (Therese) Heller, Jayne (Daniel) Exner, Kurt Heller, all of Racine, David (Lisa) Heller of Concord, Calif., Jay C. (Kristal) Heller of Olathe, Kan.; his stepchildren, Linda (Kerry) Keenan of Richmond, Va., Jim (Sheryl) Meyer of Racine; daughter-in-law, Rose Ann Heller of Racine; 13 grandchildren, Krystyn, Rose Lois, and Jacob Heller, Stephen (Agata) Exner, Jeffery Exner, Amy (Mark) Reid, Monica Heller, Amber Heller, Sean, Caitlyn Heller, Jarrett Heller, Collin and Alex Meyer; three great-grandchildren, Natalie, Jordan, and Drake; brothers, Lane (Helen) Heller of London, Ontario, Kyle (Joan) Heller of San Antonio, Texas; sisters-in-law, Helen Jakubowski of Racine, Mary Ann (Richard) Schubert of Miami, Fla.; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents and his first wife he was preceded in death by his infant brother, Quinn; and his son, Michael. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, March 8, 2010, 12 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie Street, with Rev. John D. Aiello officiating. Private interment will be held. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 2 until 5 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 11 a.m. until time of Mass at 12 p.m. Memorials to the Racine County Boy Scouts have been suggested. Jay's family wishes to extend their sincere gratitude to Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care. MARESH-MEREDITH AND ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME 803 Main Street 634-7888 Condolences may be sent to: www.meredithfuneralhome.com