Jay W. Endress

1960 - 2025

Jay W. Endress
Born: September 5, 1960 in Freeport, IL
Died: September 13, 2025 in Oglesby, IL
Jay W. Endress, 65, of Oglesby, IL, passed away Saturday, September 13, 2025 at his home.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Oglesby, with Rev. Paul Carlson, pastor officiating. Burial will follow in St. Theresa Cemetery, Earlville, IL. Visitation will be held 4-7:00 PM Friday at the Prey-Mueller Funeral Home, Oglesby.
Jay was born September 5, 1960 in Freeport, IL, the son of Merle and Karen (Woker) Endress. He graduated from Mendota High School in 1978 and later from Illinois Valley Community College, Northern Illinois University, and Marquette University Law School.
Jay married his wife, the former Paula Goble, whom he met while working on the student newspaper at IVCC. Following his graduation from law school, he practiced law in Kansas City, MO for nine years before he and Paula purchased their first newspaper in Indiana. Together they owned four newspapers: the Zionsville Times Sentinel, the Macoupin County Enquirer-Democrat, the Coal Country Times, and the Greenville Advocate. Following 32 years of marriage, he and Paula divorced but still remained close friends and proud parents of their son, Ethan Donald Endress.
Previously employed by the Cantlin Law firm in Ottawa, IL and as a legislative aide to the late Senator Gary Dahl, most recently Jay was the co-owner of St. Bede Abbey Press and was an avid collector of antique printing equipment. His favorite hobby was attending all the athletic events of his son. In 2023, Jay donated one of his kidneys, affirming his belief in helping others.
Survivors include his parents, Merle and Karen Endress of Chetek, WI; one sister, Janice (Randy) Belanger of Hubertus, WI; his son, Ethan Endress of Litchfield, IL; his former wife, Paula Endress of Litchfield, IL; one niece, Kelsey Knorr of Las Vegas, NV; one nephew, Andre Belanger of Schofield Barracks, HI; and one uncle, Gary (Karen) Woker of Thomson, IL.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested for the Dr. Rose Marie Lynch Scholarship Fund at Illinois Valley Community College to benefit aspiring journalism students.
The online guestbook may be viewed and remembrances shared at www.MuellerFH.com.