LaMar “Jay” Stapleton, age 59, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, September 29, 2015. He was born on February 29, 1956 in Stevens Point to Cecil and Dolly (Finley) Stapleton. He and Donna Stapleton (Schwartz) were united in marriage in Northridge, CA in 1991.
Jay was a 1974 graduate of Weyerhauser High School. He worked in computer consulting and had owned his own computer company in California for over 15 years. Jay currently worked in sales and marketing at Maple Hollow in Merrill. He was a very helpful person who loved to learn and share his knowledge with whomever he could. Jay was very involved in his community and was always helping at his local synagogue. He enjoyed working in his yard and took great pride in keeping it looking sharp. Jay loved nature and looked forward to fishing every summer. He and Donna loved to take drives just to enjoy the beauty of nature. Jay was an avid Packer fan. He could, more often than not, be found smoking his favorite pipe. Spending time with his family and friends was very important to Jay. He loved to tell stories and was very fun to be around with his great sense of humor. Jay will be remembered as a bright, well liked man with a great smile who was always ready with a big bear hug.
Survivors include his wife: Donna Stapleton (Schwartz), of Merrill; son: Benjamin (Jennifer) Stapleton; grandson: Sammy Stapleton; seven siblings: Jean Stapleton, John Stapleton, Susie Stapleton, Laura Stapleton, Mary (Mark) Krombholz, Douglas Stapleton and John (Jennifer) Holm Jr. Jay was further loved by 15 nieces and nephews and 18 great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Laurence Hazelton, and sister and brother-in-law, Tina and John Jennerman.
Funeral services for Jay will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, October 4, 2015 at Waid Funeral Home. Rabbi Dan Danson will officiate. Visitation will be held from 11:30 AM until the time of service, also at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Diabetes Association or to Mount Sinai Congregation in Wausau, 910 W. Randolph St. Wausau, WI 54401. Waid Funeral Home of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.
Jay’s family would like to say a special thank you to the first responders who worked so hard and were so kind and compassionate that night.