Jay Peter Bruley

Jay Peter Bruley, 64, of Nekoosa, Wisconsin, passed away on January 26, 2026, surrounded by the deep love of his family. Following a head injury sustained from a fall, Jay left us far too soon, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and kindness. He will be forever remembered for his easygoing spirit and quick wit. For those who knew him, the image remains clear: Jay with a Point Beer in his hand, a grin on his face, and a good story ready to go.

Jay found joy in the simple, meaningful things in life including good company, laughter, and time spent with those he loved most, especially his cat. An avid "outdoorsman" with a surprisingly strong appreciation for arts and crafts, Jay especially enjoyed riding his side by side with his wife, Elaine, sitting around campfires, cheering on the Brewers, Packers, and Bucks, camping, and tinkering in his garage, often on projects whose purpose only Jay fully understood. He lived life on his own terms.

Jay had a natural way of putting people at ease. He made friends from all walks of life and all ages and had a gift for turning ordinary moments into lasting memories, usually with laughter involved.

Above all else, Jay's greatest love was his family. He was a devoted husband to Elaine, with whom he built a life grounded in love, partnership, and shared laughter. Married for 41 years, Jay often said that Elaine hung the moon and the stars, and he never missed an opportunity to let others know just how lucky he felt to share life with her.

To his son Chad, Jay was not only a father but a best friend. Their bond was deep and rare, built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and countless conversations. That relationship was central to Jay's happiness and one of the greatest sources of pride in his life.

With his daughter Jamie, Jay shared a relationship full of spirited debates, quick comebacks, and endless teasing. They fought like cats and dogs and gave each other plenty of grief, but beneath it all was a deep, unshakeable love and devotion that neither ever doubted.

Jay is survived by his beloved wife Elaine; his daughter Jamie Newsum and husband Joshua of Mesa, Arizona; and his son Chad Bruley and wife Randi of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. He was a proud and loving Papa to his grandchildren Lorelai, Faye, Keaton, and Fitzgerald, who brought him endless joy and whom he adored beyond measure.

He is also survived by his sisters Mona Francis (Gerald) of Rio, Wisconsin; Becky Sommers (Keith) of Nekoosa, Wisconsin; and Bobbie Jo Kolo of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin; his brother John Bruley of Winter, Wisconsin; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him deeply.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents Faye and Dick Bruley; his brother Jimmy; his father in law Kenneth Heinzen; his brothers in law John Kolo and Kenneth Heinzen Jr.; his cousin Bill Bruley; his uncles Mike Honkomp, Bob Bruley, and Jose Esquibel; his aunt Pauline Velasquez; his nephew Dougie Zimmerman; and his beloved dog, Ivan, who no doubt greeted him enthusiastically.

Jay's legacy lives on in the humor he instilled in his children and grandchildren, the laughter he shared, the friendships he built, and the love he gave so freely. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.

Rest easy, Dear and Dad.

Jay's wife and children would like to thank Dr. Murk of Aspirus Wausau for his compassionate care and steady guidance, along with the Wisconsin Rapids Fire Department EMS and the Aspirus Wausau ICU and Palliative Care teams for their professionalism, kindness, and support.

1800.com!!

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church, 711 Prospect Avenue, Nekoosa, Wisconsin. A Celebration of Life will be planned for summer 2026, with the date, time and location to be determined and announced later.