Jay Michael Schiesl

Jay Schiesl, age 58, of Dubuque, passed away on October 21, 2024. Born on May 30, 1966, Jay lived a life filled with love, family, service, and faith in Jesus Christ.
A proud native of Dubuque, Jay graduated from Dubuque Senior High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor's degree from the University of Dubuque, followed by a Master's degree from Loras College. His pursuit of education reflected his commitment to lifelong learning, a trait he instilled in his children and those around him.
Jay married his beloved wife, Terri Urbain, on August 11, 1989. Through their 35 years together, they still held hands everywhere they went. Together, they built a loving home and raised five children: Josh Schiesl (Sara), Shelby Williams (Tim), Tess Coiner (Matt), Brady, and Caine. He was a proud grandfather to Israel, Pablo, Lila, Emery, Lazaro, Kesia, Fiona, Rupert, and Ambrose, and he was eagerly anticipating the arrival of an additional granddaughter, Emma. All of whom brought him immense joy and were a testament to his deep family values.
Jay is survived by his mother, MaryAnn Schiesl, and his sisters, Sherri Moore (Stacey) and Dianne Schiesl. His extended family includes his father- and mother-in-law, Larry and Linda Hoefer, sisters-in-law Shelley Rublaitus (Dennis) and Shawn Urbain, as well as his nieces and nephews: Hannah and Lindy Rublaitus, Jason (Cassie) and Madyson Moore, and Jake and McKenna Urbain. A man of diverse talents and interests, Jay worked for Welu Printing and also pursued a successful career in real estate with Keller Williams. Above all, his love for his family came first, and he took great pride in being a stay-at-home dad while they lived in Northern California. As his children grew up and started families of their own, Jay poured his love out to his dogs Huckleberry and Benny, everyday walking them through the streets of downtown. Jay was also known for his love of sports-particularly his devotion to the Chicago Cubs, dedication to watching his son Brady play baseball at Mount Mercy University, and his passion for coaching. He started his coaching career as the head women's basketball coach and assistant baseball coach at the University of Dubuque and coached numerous youth baseball, basketball, and football teams over the years. It was through coaching his son's baseball team that he formed a lasting friendship with Pastor Matt Collins of Hope Evangelical Free Church, a relationship that ultimately led to Jay's placing his faith in Jesus Christ.
Jay's faith became the cornerstone of his life. He was well known for his strong belief in Jesus and his infectious, outgoing personality. His faith in action could be seen through his involvement in the community. He was a founding member of the Dubuque Dream Center, where he sought to strengthen the downtown community through the Gospel. Jay also served as a board member for the Clarity Clinic Pregnancy Center, an organization dear to his heart, advocating for the value of all lives. He also contributed to his community by serving on the Dubuque School Board and the Dubuque Human Rights Commission.
Jay will be remembered for always being the life of the party, quick to tell a joke to make people laugh, and ensuring everyone was having a good time. He will be dearly missed.
Visitation will be held at Behr Funeral Home in Dubuque, Iowa, Thursday, October 24, from 3 to 6 p.m.. Services will be held at Hope Church in Dubuque, Iowa, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, October 25. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Dubuque Dream Center.
Greeting cards and memorials in Jay's memory may be mailed to Behr Funeral Home, 1491 Main Street, Dubuque, Iowa 52001, Attn. Jay Schiesl Family.