Jay L Tetley's Obituary
Jay Ladley Tetley, 72 years of Shiloh, Illinois, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on January 11, 2026, with his wife Dana and his cat, Captain, at his side. Jay was also known as “Jason.”
Jason worked as a Senior Maintenance Manager for Pfizer prior to medically retiring in 2017. Jason had immense pride in his position and loved his colleagues and team. Jason continued to stay in touch with his colleagues and team after retiring. Before working at Pfizer, Jason worked for other dairy and pharmaceutical companies and Stellar Manufacturing, where he met his wife, Dana Deskin. Jason and Dana were married on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2000, in Las Vegas. Jason always kidded Dana by saying, this way, he would not forget his anniversary. Jason and Dana were married 25 years and loved to vacation together. Mexico and Sanibel Island were their two favorite places to go. Jason would tell you, “As long as I can take my mug, my blue bag with my tunes, anywhere she wants to go is good with me.”
Growing up, Jason was a police explorer and Eagle Scout. He loved hot rods and built engines during his younger years and drove fun cars through the years. After becoming homebound, he took up the hobby of small steam engines that ran elaborate displays and had a love of trains. He also enjoyed making friends with the Canadian geese on the lake behind his home, watching three years of young goslings mature. Jason also loved cooking and looked forward to cooking for friends and family. Jason was a fan of the St. Louis City Soccer Club and the St. Louis Cardinals.
Jason was known to always be there to help or listen when a friend reached out. Jason had an infectious laughter that everyone loved, and he would always want to make you smile. Jason gave the best hugs. He was instrumental in getting his four brothers together after not seeing each other for thirty years. He also orchestrated his high school friends to get together for dinner every few months when possible. Jason had seven grandchildren, that he loved with his whole heart. Jason and his niece, Kiera, shared a special bond and a love for SpongeBob SquarePants. They also had a saying with each other “MMIAB (Mosterest More Infinity and Beyond).”
Jason’s most favorite saying of all, and the one Dana will miss forever, was “I love you more.” Jason had unconditional love for his family, friends, and partner in crime, Captain (cat), and will be forever missed.
In addition to his wife of 25 years, he is survived by his daughter, Nichole (Nick) Andjelich, stepdaughter, Theresa (Steve) LaGarce, stepsons; Eric (Missy) Farkas and Nicholas DeLeon, seven grandchildren, brothers; Gary (Sara) Tetley and Mark (Peggy) Tetley, Father-in-law Ted (Sharon) Deskin, bonus mom Mary Ann Seabaugh, sisters-in-law; Robin (Mark) Ziegler, April (Cortez) Boose and Cori Smith, brother-in-law, James (Heather) Deskin, uncle-in-law Delbert Henry Jr., along with his godson, Bill Lapidus, many nieces, nephews, great nieces, great nephews, other relatives, close friends and his beloved buddy, Captain (cat).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Hazel Tetley, brother, Craig Tetley, Mother-in-law, Diana Deskin, step-Mother-in-law, Mary Ann Deskin, brother-in-law, J.D. Deskin, close friend and Eagle Scout Paden Schultz and bonus parents Delbert and Delores Henry.
Jason did not like funeral homes and requested there not be any services. Have a drink in remembrance of him. Jason would like that.
For more information, please access our website, https://www.leesmanfuneralhome.com. Arrangements were handled by Leesman Funeral Home.
Leesman Funeral Home
618-286-4511 (office)
618-286-4512 (fax)
https://www.leesmanfuneralhome.com
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