Jay J. Laing

Jay J. Laing, age 53 of Westfield, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 31, 2026, at Meriter Hospital in Madison. He was born on May 4, 1973, in Portage, WI to Larry and Sigrid Laing.

Jay graduated from Westfield High School and continued his passion for farming after. In 2000, he married Jamie Demerath in Westfield, WI. Together they shared 26 wonderful years filled with their fur babies, tractor pulling adventures, Packer Family Nights, demolition derby antics, county fair excursions, and outdoor movie watching.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jay, a vibrant, always smiling, fun-loving soul who touched the life of anyone that he came into contact with. Jay was a devoted husband, loving son, caring brother, cherished uncle, loyal nephew, compassionate cousin, and a true friend to all who met and knew him.

A passionate volunteer firefighter, with the Town of Westfield Fire Department and then most recently with the Town of Newton Fire Department. He dedicated countless hours to serving and protecting his community with unwavering courage and commitment. Beyond his bravery in service, his life passion was being a hard-working dairy farmhand, helping many local farm families. His connection to the land and animals were an integral part of his identity and soul.

Jay had an unshakable spirit in the face of medical challenges, fighting with tenacity and grace. Through it all, his love remained steadfast, especially for his beloved wife, his family, and his nieces and nephew, whom he adored fiercely. He was a proud dog dad to Jazmine, Itty Bitty, and Tugboat, finding so much joy in the simple pleasures of companionship and nature. His absolute love and devotion to horses and horse racing was bred into him, so much so that he chose to get married on the Kentucky Derby Day!

His warmth, humor, kindness, and above all his smile brought light and laughter into every room that he entered. He leaves behind a legacy of love, resilience, and community spirit that will forever be remembered by those who had the honor and pleasure of knowing him.

Jay is survived by his wife of 26 years, Jamie Laing of Westfield; mother Sigrid Laing, Westfield; sister Michelle (Daniel) Fenske, Coloma; nieces Asha (Jacob Carlin) Fenske, Coloma, Makaela (Jonas LaMore) Fenske, Coloma; great nephews Quinn, Nash, and Kashton Fenske, Coloma; along with many loved members of the Laing, Kopach and Demerath families.

He was preceded in death by his father Larry Laing, nephew Blake Fenske, paternal grandmother and grandfather, maternal grandmother and grandfather, and two special uncles.

Jay’s family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Aspirus Divine Savior Dialysis center staff for their unprecedented care of Jay for the past 20+ years of dialysis treatments. Also, a special thank you to the doctors, nurses and staff at Meriter Hospital in Madison for their exceptional compassion, dignity, and care shown to Jay and our family during this difficult time. The support of these two facilities will never be forgotten.

A memorial service for Jay will be held on Friday, June 12, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at Steinhaus-Holly Funeral Home in Westfield. A luncheon will be held following the service at the Town of Westfield Fire Department, N7703 Ember Ave., Westfield, WI 53964. A visitation will be held on Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the funeral home.

Please take a moment to view the online Guestbook. Send your condolences or share a memory of Jay with his family & friends.