Jay E. Willfong

Jay Edwin Willfong, age 69, of Sioux Rapids, Iowa died December 13, 2022 at Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen, Iowa. 

Memorial services will take place Saturday, May 6, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Church in Sioux Rapids. A time of fellowship will follow the service at the Sioux Rapids Fire Department. The Sliefert Funeral Home in Sioux Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. 

Jay Edwin Willfong was born on May 27, 1953 to William and Nelda (Lauman) Willfong in Spencer, Iowa. He was baptized in the Congregational Church in Spencer on June 7, 1953. Jay attended Sioux Rapids Community School, graduating in 1972. During his senior year, Jay made First All Conference in football.

Jay was united in marriage to Risa Middendorff on April 7, 1979 in Sioux Rapids, Iowa. The couple was blessed with a daughter, Samantha.

During the first few years of Jay and Risa’s marriage, he enjoyed scuba diving and was certified in search recovery for 6 years. In 1997, Jay got into gyrocopters and traveled to Georgia to learn how to fly. He then put in his own runway. Jay enjoyed the quiet of flying until he realized he was having trouble with his memory a few years before his passing. Jay was a member of the Popular Rodary Association. He loved to weld and repair anything, it didn’t matter what! He designed and built many trailers for people. Jay also enjoyed cutting wood. Most recently, Jay loved helping Risa in the garden and looked forward to taking his grandchildren out every time they were over. He was always playing with his grandchildren and making them laugh. Jay will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved him.

Jay is survived by his wife: Risa Willfong of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; daughter: Samantha (Ryan) Roder of Marathon, Iowa; sisters: Pam (Damon) Mooney of Nemaha, Iowa; Ann McMaster of Sioux Rapids, Iowa; brother: Greg (Angie) Willfong of Scottsdale, Arizona; grandchildren: Tenley Rae Roder and Brantley Jay Roder of Marathon, Iowa; extended family and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his father: William Willfong; mother: Nelda Willfong; nephew: Ryan Willfong; parents-in-law: Arthur and Oma Middendorff; sister-in-law: Lyn Dee Middendorff; brother-in-law: Craig Middendorff; several aunts, uncles, and good friends.

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