Joseph John "Jay" Gadlage's Obituary
Decatur – Joseph John (Jay) Gadlage, 64, died peacefully surrounded by family and friends on November 26, 2013 after a three year battle with a Glioblastoma brain tumor.
Jay was born on August 6, 1949 in Louisville, Kentucky to the late Robert and Armella Gadlage. Jay attended Trinity High School, University of Louisville (B.S.), and University of Illinois (MBA). Jay enjoyed spending his time fixing things, playing with his grand-children, working on cars, and traveling with wife and friends. Jay will be especially remembered for his quick wit, generosity, strong faith, and humbleness that he displayed until his final hours. Jay served on numerous service organizations including leading the American Cancer Bikeathon for many years, golf leagues and church committees. Jay was dedicated to The Great Banquet and was honored to lead it in Decatur and Jacksonville, Florida.
Jay leaves behind his faithful and loving wife, Belva, his sisters, Claudia Ulrich (Late Bruce) of Missouri, Judy (Fred) Michael of Georgia, his brothers, Dr. Robert (Cathy) Gadlage of Georgia, and Dan (Dorothy) Gadlage of Kentucky, 5 children, Stephen (Angela) Gadlage of Michigan, Jonathan Hammond of California, Michael Gadlage of Indiana, K.C. (Nick) Diedrich of Willowbrook, and Matthew (Angelika) Gadlage of Michigan, 8 grand-children, Kyle, Allison, Grant, Dominic, Brynn, Mesfin, Luke, and Yeabsira, and 12 very special and loyal nieces and nephews.
Jay was reunited with his parents and brother-in-law, Bruce Ulrich, in Heaven.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the many friends and family that made up Team JackWagon who supported and blessed us throughout this journey, with a special thanks to Dr. Jim Wade of Decatur, Dr. Henry Friedman of Duke University, and “Dr. Bob” Gadlage of Duluth, Georgia.
A celebration of life will be held on December 14, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. at Lampstand Presbyterian Church, 655 S. Airport Road, Decatur IL 62521. In lieu of flowers, memorials in memory of Jay may be made to the Tug McGraw Foundation (By Mail: The Tug McGraw Foundation, P.O. Box 45 Yountville, CA 94599) and the Great Banquet at Lampstand Church.
The Gadlage family is being served by the Moran & Goebel Funeral Home, 2801 N. Monroe St., Decatur, IL 62526. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.moranandgoebel.com.
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