Jay W. Endress

Jay W. Endress, 65, of Oglesby, passed away Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025 at his home.

Jay was born Sept. 5, 1960 in Freeport, 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 had 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; sister, Janice (Randy) Belanger of Hubertus, WI; son, Ethan Endress of Litchfield; his former wife, Paula Endress of Litchfield; niece, Kelsey Knorr of Las Vegas, NV; nephew, Andre Belanger of Schofield Barracks, HI; and uncle, Gary (Karen) Woker of Thomson.

Visitation will be held 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 19 at the Prey-Mueller Funeral Home, Oglesby.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025 at Holy Family Catholic Church, Oglesby, with Rev. Paul Carlson, pastor officiating. Burial will follow in St. Theresa Cemetery, Earlville.

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 MuellerFH.com.