Friday, December 5, 2008

Jay's Obituary and Comments From Family and Friends

Hauer, Jay A.
Age 47 of Centerville
Passed unexpectedly on July 12, 2008
Preceded in death by father, Jerome. Survived by wife, Zina; sons, Joshua (BreAnna), Logan, Tristan; daughter, Jenna; granddaughter. Isabella; mother, Janet; siblings, Jeff (Sue), Jim, John, Joel (Pamela), Jerry (Kandy), Jennifer, Jason; also survived by many other family and friends.
Jay was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend. He was loved by all.

Published in the Pioneer Press on 7/15/2008

Dearest Jay,
If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We'd express all our unspoken love;
We'd have countless things to say.

If we could bring you back again,
We'd say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.

If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You'd know how much we miss you
now, and if we could, we would.
Rick and Michelle (Centerville)

Hauer Family-
Jay will be deeply missed. He always had to put a smile on everyone's faces. Zina, seeing you without him is like a bird without it's wings. but he will be in your heart forever, as well as the kids also. I will miss him a lot. I love you guys!
Chelsea Golden

Zina,
We are deeply saddened and especially shocked to hear of Jay's passing. As you know, he was an incredibly loving and generous person. We loved playing pool with him, he always made us smile and laugh. I'll never forget the last time we saw him at Kelly's - he was like a kid in a candy store, happy and smiling like never before. His famous words "I love you guys" will stay in our hearts forever.

No one knows the reason for God's plan, and that lack of understanding can certainly test our faith, but I hope you find comfort in knowing that Jay is with you in spirit now and always, and that his memory will live on in the love you share with your family.

On a lighter note, I will always remember that Jay made us laugh when he insisted that it was "Miller Right" and not just "Miller Lite." We couldn't agree more! My, what we would give to have one more handshake and hug with such a phenomenal person.
God Bless,
Kelli & Ellias (Hugo, MN)

Jay -- Thank you for being my brother-in-law and always being there for my sis and ma. Thank you for your honesty and integrity. Thank you for always mending differences and not holding grudges.
Thank you for always including the Geschwills, we are so proud you were in our lives. Thank you for Josh Triston Logan and Jenna what a wonderful family. The tears are real the heartache hurts, but now we have an angel watching over us. I love you brother and will think of you often.
Sis-- I love you.
Larry

Read the comments for other tributes to Jay compliments of the Pioneer Press Guest Book.
Link Here

89 comments:

Anonymous said...

The Jay Hauer online Pioneer Press Guest Book

Anonymous said...

Jan, Zina and family,
Words can not express how sorry I am for what you guys are going through. As sad as it is, take comfort in knowing he is not alone, he is with his dad. Remember, while distance may keep you apart, your hearts will keep you together..

Anonymous said...

Zina and family, i am so sorry for your loss. Jay was such a great guy and will never be forgotten. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Zina and family...I am so sorry for your loss. Jay will always be remembered for the great person he was. We have alot of special memories of him and will hold onto them forever.

Anonymous said...

Zina and Family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jay was such a wonderful person. Full of happiness and smiles no matter what. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Jenny,
I am so sorry to hear about your brother. I know how much your brothers mean to you. Please let your mom know that I am thinking about her also. Your family is in my thoghts and prayers. Take care.
Mel

Anonymous said...

Dear Zina and family,

I was so sad to hear of your loss. I pray that your many wonderful memories will help to sustain you and help get you through the times ahead. Jay was a sweetheart and I will never forget all the wonderful memories at pool with you guys. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. God bless and keep you! Take care!

Love,

Corrina

Anonymous said...

Zina and family,

We were so sorry to hear about Jay. We lived across the street from Kelly's for 5 years and Jay always had time to say "hi" when I would see him walking down the sidewalk. We are praying for your family. Erica, Nicolette and Blair Larson

Anonymous said...

Zina - Family
John & Jimmy
"The Hauer Family"

We would like to send our condolences to your family. As we are thinking of you at this tragic time. Keep your heads up and remember God as he will help to fill the void in your heart's!! May God Bless You and Jay.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about your lost. Jay was a warm and caring man. I will keep you and the family in my prayers

Anonymous said...

Zina and Family,
We can't even begin to tell you how sorry we are about the passing of Jay. He was one of the best people, always fun loving, kind, and always had a smile. He was such a good friend and family man. We will miss him walking through them doors at Kellys, the pool games, and laughs. We will always remember the good times we all had and these memories will be with us forever. He will always be a part of our lives and in our hearts. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, kids, and family. God Bless.

Anonymous said...

Dear Johnny and Family,
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
May your heart soon find comfort in the wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well-lived.

Anonymous said...

Dear Josh, Zina, and family.
I was deeply sadened to hear of Jay's passing. I hope you can find comfort in memories of good times shared. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. In times like this I find it important to embrace every hug, handshake, and condolence offered. Though it has been many years since I have seen Jay he will forever remain in my memory. Hang in there Josh I'm thinking about you and the rest of your family.
From Julie Paul, on behalf of the Paul Family.

Anonymous said...

Zina and family~

Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. May the memories help heal the pain.

Anonymous said...

Jan & Family, I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow

Anonymous said...

Zina and Family,
So sorry to hear about Jay. It's hard to find words to express such a tragic loss. Please know that we are thinking of you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Zina & Family,
Im so sorry to hear about your loss. Jay was such a wonderful person and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Zina and family,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Jay was such a warm and caring guy. He always had a smile on his face, and loved his family and life. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Hauer Family,
Sorry to hear about your lost. We will keep you in our prayers.

Anonymous said...

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear of your loss. Jay was a good man.

Anonymous said...

Zina & Family,
Im so sorry to hear about your loss, jay was a great friend of mine and was always there for me and im gonna miss him so much. Zina if you need anything please let me know as Jay would of been there for my family i am there for you and your family. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Zina and Family, Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this tragic time. Jay is one of the best men we have ever met, surely the number 1# Minnesota Twin fan. If there is anything we can do, just call and let us know!

Anonymous said...

Zina,
We are deeply saddened and especially shocked to hear of Jay's passing. As you know, he was an incredibly loving and generous person. We loved playing pool with him, he always made us smile and laugh. I'll never forget the last time we saw him at Kelly's - he was like a kid in a candy store, happy and smiling like never before. His famous words "I love you guys" will stay in our hearts forever.

No one knows the reason for God's plan, and that lack of understanding can certainly test our faith, but I hope you find comfort in knowing that Jay is with you in spirit now and always, and that his memory will live on in the love you share with your family.

On a lighter note, I will always remember that Jay made us laugh when he insisted that it was "Miller Right" and not just "Miller Lite." We couldn't agree more! My, what we would give to have one more handshake and hug with such a phenomenal person.

God Bless,

Anonymous said...

Zina and Family-
We are so sorry for your loss. Jay was a great guy and eveytime we seen him he had a smile on his face. He will be missed. Our hearts and prayers will be with you and your family during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Zina and Family~

We are so very sorry for your loss. Words cannot express how sadened we are to have heard about Jay's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this very difficult time.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
With Sympathy,

Anonymous said...

Zina, Jan and family,
We all know what a great person Jay was.
We feel very lucky to have known him and had him in our lives.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and the Hauer Family: I am so sorry for your loss. I know how close your family is and hope that you all find comfort with each other and get through this such sad time. My heart goes out to your whole family.

Anonymous said...

Zina and family,
I am sorry hear about your loss. Jay was a good man.

Anonymous said...

Jason and family,
Rick and I are so sorry for your loss. God will help you through this painfull time. Just keep the joyfull memories alive.

Anonymous said...

ZINA AND FAMILY

WE ARE SO VERY SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT JAY. OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY AT THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME. JAY ALWAYS HAD A SMILE ON HIS FACE. MAY YOUR MEMORIES BRING YOU COMFORT

Anonymous said...

Dear Hauer Family,
We were shocked and deeply saddened to hear of Jay's passing. What we’ll remember most about Jay is that he was always genuinely glad to see you and he never had a bad word to say about anyone. Whether you ran into each other in a store, were sharing a cold one or playing a game of pool, he loved the company of others and the feeling was mutual. I don’t know if I’ve ever met a more caring, easy-going and loving soul. He will be missed by all.
Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Jay,
If we could bring you back again,
For one more hour or day,
We'd express all our unspoken love;
We'd have countless things to say.

If we could bring you back again,
We'd say we treasured you,
And that your presence in our lives
Meant more than we ever knew.

If we could bring you back again,
To tell you what we should,
You'd know how much we miss you
now, and if we could, we would.

Anonymous said...

Jeff, Sue, Stephanie & Tim~

Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family at this very difficult time. Keep loved ones, friends and memories of Jay close as you brave the time ahead!

Love and hugs,

Anonymous said...

Zina & Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Thoughts and Prayers are with you, Miss you and love you my friend !!
Karen

Anonymous said...

Ma Hauer" and family,
We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Anonymous said...

Zina and family,
Our hearts and prayers go out to all you guys through these difficult times. We love you Jay!!

Anonymous said...

Zina and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. He will be greatly missed. Zina, if you need anything don't be afraid to call.

Anonymous said...

Dearest Janet & family,
My heart just breaks for you. I just wanted you to know how close you are in my heart and thoughts today. I am so sorry. My deepest sympathy to you and your dear ones. I know we haven't been in touch for such a long time but I think of you so often.
Take care.
Love & Hugs,
Your cousin

Anonymous said...

Zina & Family: I'm really sorry to hear about Jay, he was always so nice to me. He would offer to drive me anywhere, or get me anything. The thing i will miss the most, is playing volleyball with him...

Anonymous said...

My prayers and thoughts are with the whole family.
I am truly sorry for your loss.
Jay will be missed.

Anonymous said...

A good man, a good friend and the only brother-in-law I have.
I will miss you and I love you man.

Anonymous said...

Jason & Family-
I am so sorry to hear of your loss! My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Joel,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.

Anonymous said...

Zina & family
We are sorry to hear of Jay's passing, it is a tragedy! We will always remeber Jay with a smile on his face and how he enjoyed his family and sharing that joy with everyone.We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers through this very emotional time.

Anonymous said...

Dear Zina and all the Hauer Family:
It doesn't seem that long ago I was watching Jay and Zina, Brent, Billy and Lance all growing up! In the years that followed the things I remember best about Jay was the hug I always got when I saw him, his big smile and his great love for you, Zina. He was so proud of his family.
He will always be with you in your hearts and memories. I am so sorry.

Anonymous said...

Zina, my heart goes out to you and the entire Hauer family. Jay was one of the most genuine people I've ever met! I loved the years I spent with the both of you...we sure had some laughs! That is what I will keep in my heart and cherish the most!

Anonymous said...

Zina, Auntie Janet, and family,
I am so sorry to hear about Jay, what a tragedy. You are truly in my thoughts and prayers. May the love of so many that care for you, be a comfort to you now. He was truly special and will be carried on in our memories forever....

Anonymous said...

I didnt know Jay very well but am very good friends with his brother Jim and my heart goes out to you and your family. If there is anything I can do please let me know. I am truly sorry for your loss.
Love

Anonymous said...

Zina, and the Hauer Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May the many wonderful memories of Jay bring you comfort. He will always have a special place in my heart, and all those who knew him.

Anonymous said...

Dear Ma, Zina and Hauer Family,
We were shocked to hear of Jay's sudden passing. We both have very wonderful memories of him, he was a great hugger and always so sweet and kind hearted. I know we don't see you very often being so far away but please know that you are always in our thoughts and prayers, especially now at this most difficult time. I know that the Hauer family strength and the support of all of your many friends will help you get through this as well as all the wonderful memories we all have that will keep him alive in all of our hearts. We love you.

Anonymous said...

Jason and Family
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. We Know your family means alot to you, our thoughts and prayers are with you

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear about Jay. He was a great man and was always smiling! He will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with your and your family, if you need anything please let us know!

Anonymous said...

Jen (and Hauer family)-

I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. You are in my thoughts and in my prayers. If you need anything, please let me know.

xoxo

Anonymous said...

Zina and the Hauer Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. We were shocked to hear of Jay's passing. He was a wonderful, genuine man with such a kind heart.

Anonymous said...

Zina and the Hauer Family,
Sad to hear of the tragic and sudden loss of Jay Hauer. May God be with you all to help you through this difficult time.

Anonymous said...

To the Hauers: Jay was one of the nicest guys I've ever known. He was always there if anyone needed him. I have nothing but good memories of Jay and will miss him dearly.

Anonymous said...

Zina and family.
I will never forget that every time I saw Jay, he was always smiling, I will miss him, as will everyone that knew and loved him. My prayers go out to you and your family.

Anonymous said...

Hi Zina I feel very,very bad.I loved Jay very much and I was in total shock when I heard the bad news.I'm glad Jay was in my life for 10yrs. I'll miss Jay very much.
Love Jordan.

Anonymous said...

Jay -- Thank you for being my brother-in-law and always being there for my sis and ma. Thank you for your honesty and integrity. Thank you for always mending differences and not holding grudges.
Thank you for always including the Geschwills, we are so proud you were in our lives. Thank you for Josh Tristin Logan and Jenna what a wonderful family. The tears are real the heartache hurts, but now we have an angel watching over us. I love you brother and will think of you often.
Sis-- I love you.

Anonymous said...

to the hauer family may god be with u at this very hard times jay was like a brother to all who knew him and i was glad to have known him as a teamate and a friend rest in peace brother jay love ya

Anonymous said...

To Zina, Jan and and all the Hauer family.
Jay was all heart and he will be deeply missed. A great guy from a great family. I miss all of you and my thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

Zena & Family....
Was so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. Your family is like a 2nd family to Eric & we appreciate everything you have done. Please know that our thoughts & prayers are with you now & always.

Anonymous said...

Zena & family..
I am so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. Jay was a very GOOD man.
He helped me out in many ways & I will never forget him. If you need ANYTHING, please let me know. I will always be here for you all.

Anonymous said...

Zena,Mama Hauer&family; So sorry to hear of Jay's passing on.Our hearts go out to all of you.Keep living life to its fullest.And when you need him,just whisper his name in your heart - he will be there. Love you guys. Carrie,Steve Schulte & family

Anonymous said...

I can't express the sorrow I feel when I think of life without Jay, but I can always smile when I remember all the years he was my friend. He was always willing to help, and always had a kind word when I was down (and a hug, of course!). Jay's legacy will live on through his kids and his great family, and I feel blessed to be a part of that, and blessed that I had a great friend in Jay for so many years.

Anonymous said...

Jay was and will always be my best friend. He was the brother that I never had. We will all miss him very much.

Anonymous said...

Zina & Family: Dan and I were shocked when we heard about Jay, he was a wonderful person and we will miss him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.

Anonymous said...

To the family of Jay
Thinking of you during this sad time and sending heartfelt wishes of comfort, healing and peace.

Anonymous said...

Jay was among the nicest guys that ever worked on our houses. I'm so sorry for your loss. Jay will be truly missed. He's someone I can honestly say I always looked forward to seeing. What a great guy. Jay added color to this world...a painter, a friend, and again, just a great guy.

Anonymous said...

Jay will be missed dearly. We are so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Hauer Family, It is a shock for everyone to hear about Jay! I am so sorry that your family has to go through all the awful pain that goes with Jerry and then Jay's death! It is terrible!!!

Anonymous said...

Zina and family-My thoughts and prayers are with you all, I can't even begin to imagine what Tuesday's will be like without him. He was a really good man! It's so hard to believe. I am so sorry!

Anonymous said...

Zina and the Hauer family,
I'm so sorry to hear about Jay, wow I'm in shock...you never know when it time for for the maker to call you home and I can truely say the Heaven is a brighter place with Jay now there. Zina, I miss you and think of you and the G-N-R days. I also think of the old days at the Down-N-Under playing volleyball. I will miss Jay so much and we all have to get together soon because life can be so short sometimes. Jay was a wonderful man. Zina call me when you can (218)831-4019
I love you guys and miss all of you so much!!! I'm so sorry! God Bless you all. Love Luanne

Anonymous said...

Josh,

I know I haven't seen you in a long time, just want you to know my thouhts and prayers are with you. I feel just awful for you and your family. I know your Dad was a great guy, your memories will help, keep him near.

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear about Jay. He will be missed by so many. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Julie and Michael

Anonymous said...

I was so sorry to hear about Jay. My thoughts and prayers are with the whole Hauer family.

Anonymous said...

Zena and family - I am trying to find the words to express my heartfelt sympathy. We lost such a great man and I am going to miss him very much. He always had a big smile on his face and could brighten any room. My prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow. I will always remember him saying "Whatever Heidi"

God Bless

Anonymous said...

May you rest in peace Jay, you were a great person to know, always smiling and very friendly.

Anonymous said...

Hauer Family-
Jay will be deeply missed. He always had to put a smile on everyone's faces. Zina seeing you without him is like a bird without it's wings. but he will be in your heart forever, as well as the kids also. I will miss him a lot. I love you guys!

Anonymous said...

To the Hauer family.

an unexpected death is terrible, no death is easy, but when you don't have a clue it's coming, it's like a punch in the gut, I know your pain, I feel your pain, I lost a family member in 2000, please accept our condolences, although I never knew Jay personally, I can still picture him and his buddies at the lockers in the morning back in the day, from what I hear he was a marvelous man, keep the memories, every day it gets a little easier, and eventually you find yourself smiling about good times, unfortunately it never goes away, but it DOES get easier, our thoughts are with his wife and children and the whole Hauer family and all who were close to him

Anonymous said...

Zina I was totally Blown away when I heard about Jay. My heart goes out to you and the kids. Be there for them now. they'll need your strength and support more then ever. My mom died when I was just 10. I understand the sorrow God bless you. Take Care Mary Jo

Anonymous said...

Josh and family~
I know it's been forever since we have seen each other but I am so sad to hear about Jay. He was a wonderful man and a great father. I know times are hard right now but remember he is in your heart. You all will be in my prayers and thoughts. I know he would be proud of all of you and especially you Josh you are a wonderful man and from what I heard following in the footsteps of your father. I am so proud of you. My heart goes out to you. May peace be with you in this time of need.

Lots of love
Sheena Saloka

Anonymous said...

Hauer Family - Our Prayers are with you. Although we haven't been in contact doesn't mean we have forgotten you. We hold great memories of the Hauer family growing up in Circle Pines - in the 70's. Jay and Jimmy were always part of our "group". Reading the other entries about Jay gave us a wonderful glimpse at the man he became! Brad and I feel blessed to have known him.

Anonymous said...

Jimmy and Family
I didn't know Jay personally but worked for many years with Jim and Jerry. Jim - so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family

Anonymous said...

My thoughts and prayer go out to your family. I love Jay, and he was among the nicest, hardest working, big hearted people I have ever known. Jay's presence will be missed by everyone that met him.

Anonymous said...

Josh,
Seeing you yesterday and talking with you made me so proud of you, you have truly growen up to a WONDERFUL young man! Those foot steps you talked about following yesterday...Honey, your already there. I know your Dad (Jay) was watching down on you and saying he to is so proud of you! You will truly carry on that legacy...Love you!

Anonymous said...

Hey guys it's me, paul. I am in total shock today after hearing about jay. I also got the double wammy news as I was told about jerry too at the same time, I had no Idea and I am truely sorry for your loss with both jerry and jay. Jerry was like my second pops and jay was like an older step bro to me. Ofcourse he and I did'nt always see eye to eye but we were always respectful to each other and I cared for jay very much. I have always loved your whole family and cannot believe so much time has gone by since I have seen all of you. I miss you all very much and plan to change that A.S.A.P. if thats ok with you. Wow jay was a grandpa, cool! He will be missed.
I still love all you guys and I can't wait to see you. I am sorry I did'nt make the wake but I did'nt find out about it til after it was already over. One more thing about jay, that guy was really good at just about anything he set his mind to I always admired him for that, and he had a great arm throwing from the outfield. You know he's playin ball in heaven already, they just got a new left fielder. at least thats what he played the last time I seen him. Go get'em jay!