Jay Neal

OREGON - Jay Glenn Neal, 61, of Oregon, Wis., passed away on September 25, 2026, after being diagnosed with brain cancer less than two months earlier, just shy of the second anniversary of the passing of his beloved wife, Melanie.

Jay was born in Madison, Wis., on December 2, 1964. He spent much of his childhood moving with his family, growing up on military bases, including more than five years in Germany, as well as in Duluth, Minn. When his family settled in Oregon, Wis., during his middle-school years, Oregon became home for the rest of his life.

He and Melanie built their life together in the countryside just south of Oregon, where they lived for 30 years. They both loved working outdoors, spending hours side by side in the yard and their countless gardens.

Jay was a devoted father to his son, Alex, and took great pride in his son’s athletics. He attended every one of Alex’s ball games growing up, always making sure to be there to support him.

Jay’s passing, coming so close to the second anniversary of Melanie’s death, serves as a reminder of the importance of companionship and the lasting impact that the people we share our lives with can have on us. After more than 30 years of marriage and a life well spent together in Oregon, their stories remained intertwined until the end.

Jay will be remembered for his deep connection to his home and family dogs, his spirited personality, and his gift for storytelling.

Jay is survived by his son, Alex (Gabby) Neal; mother, Karen Neal; granddaughter, Lucille Melanie Neal; nieces, Ashley (Ryan) Seney, Michelle Roeske and Lara (Weston) Lewandowski; nephews, Cody Lewandowski and Austin Gritton; sister-in-law, Mary Koch; brother-in-law, Jeff Lewandowski; and many more family members.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Melanie Marie Neal; father, Cecil Neal; sister, Jodi Lewandowski; father-in-law, Martin Koch; and mother-in-law, Marlene Koch.

Services will be held in the spring.

Memorial donations may be made in Jay or Melanie’s name to Agrace, 5395 E. Cheryl Parkway, Madison, WI 53711, or online at Agrace.org/Donate. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Oregon
Funeral & Cremation Care
1150 Park St.
(608) 835-3515