Jerry L. Hays, Sr.

Jerry L. Hays Sr.

Age 85 of Portage passed away on Saturday, July 5, 2025. He was born on August 28, 1939, the son of the late Lester and Elsie (nee Johnson) Hays in Ina, Illinois. He married his wife Kathleen Zajac on June 4, 1966, in Hammond, Indiana.  Jerry proudly served his country in the United States Army and later retired from Bethlehem Steel where he worked as a machinist for many years. He was a member of Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church in Portage and a member of American Legion Post 260.  After retirement Jerry spent his time working and repairing pocket watches and making rosaries for the church.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years. Kathleen Hays; son, Jerry L. (Michelle) Hays; granddaughter, Rebekah Hays; sister, Sue Pace; sisters in law, Alice (Ronald) Kolbus, Lynn Hays and Delores Zajac; brothers in law, David (Barbara) Zajac and many other loving family members and friends.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Lisa Ann Hays; brother, Bob Hays and brother-in-law, Richard Zajac.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 11:00 am at Nativity of Our Savior Church, 2949 Willowcreek Road, Portage, Indiana 46368. Cremation to follow. A visitation will be held from 9:00 am until the time of service also at Nativity of Our Savior Catholic Church.