Jay T. Zaiser

            Jay Thomas Zaiser, 68, of Fairfield, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side, December 27, 2023 at Jefferson County Health Center.

            There will be no services held at this time. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. Behner Funeral Home in Fairfield is assisting the family.

            Jay was born July 28, 1955 in Burlington, the son of George and Mary Zaiser, the 4^th of 5 children. He married Deborah Hughes, September 3, 2004.

            Jay served on the Fairfield Police Department for 30 years, retiring in 2014. While working as a police officer, Jay also enjoyed working and learning the construction trade. Many of these skills he put to use remodeling his own home.

            Jay and Deb enjoyed spending time outdoors together hunting, riding 4-wheelers, and morel mushroom hunting. During retirement, Jay and Deb found a love of camping in their camper, “BOB”. They spend many summer weekends camping with Jay’s sister and brother-in-law.

            Along with the outdoors, Jay was also known to enjoy a good Chinese buffet and insanely large quantities of ice cream.

            Jay is survived by his wife, Deborah and their beloved hunting dog, Bear; daughters, Jennifer (Justin) High of Hamilton, Georgia, and Courtney (Jerrod) Belzer of Libertyville; grandchildren, Connor, Logan, and McKenzie High, and Bailey Belzer; siblings, John Zaiser of Tazewell, Illinois, Jeff (Julia) Zaiser of Leaf River, Illinois, James (Teresa) Zaiser of Wilton, Iowa, and Jane (Craig) Broeg of Burlington. As well as many nieces and nephews.

            Jay was preceded in death by his parents, and sister-in-law, Sue Zaiser.

            Jay’s family would like to thank the hospice nurses for their care and support.