Jane Fay

Jane Elizabeth Fay of Waupun, WI passed away at home on the morning of March 11, 2025. Jane was born on May 11, 1938 in Freeport, IL, the daughter of Wilder and Martha (Johnson) Fay. She graduated from Waterman High School in 1956, and then earned her nursing diploma from Rockford Memorial Hospital in 1959. Jane continued her education at the University of Iowa, where she received a bachelor’s degree in nursing in 1962. She later obtained a master’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin and a second master’s degree from Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL where she worked for many years.

Jane served as the director of nursing at the NIU Health Service and was actively involved in various local and national professional associations. She also taught at UW Madison in the School of Nursing for three years and later was involved in home health care nursing. She was beloved by her patients, their families, and her co-workers.

In addition to her professional achievements, Jane was a partner in her family’s business, Fay’s Pork Chop Barbeque in Waterman, IL, which operated from 1962-2021.

In 2007, Jane was united in marriage to Dwayne Schmaltz of Waupun. She made her home in Wisconsin until her death. Both Jane and Dwayne were dedicated members of Edgewood Community Church in Waupun. Jane remained deeply involved in Bible studies, prayer groups, and many other activities, right up until her passing.

Jane enjoyed frequent trips to IL to see family and visit forever friends in DeKalb. Her many other beloved social activities included home extension clubs in IL and Alpha Delta Kappa in WI. Jane had a remarkable gift for making friends wherever she went, whether traveling the world or in her local community. Her ability to connect with people and form lasting friendships was her “superpower” as attested by her large family and many friends, including those of First Lutheran Church in DeKalb, IL. Jane was exceedingly grateful for God’s faithfulness in her life. “The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want.” (Psalm 23:1) She will be greatly missed.

Jane is survived by her three sisters, Marcia (Robert) Dempsey, Linda West, and Jackie Fay; and three brothers, Robert (Nina) Fay, James Fay, and Thomas Fay; her cousin Mardel (Gary) Robinson; and by many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her “bonus” family, a joyful reminder of Dwayne in her life—Dwayne’s four children: Jon (Mary) Schmaltz, Gretchen (Mark) Pluim, William (Sharon) Schmaltz, Holly (Jerome) Narloch; and by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Jane was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dwayne; sister, Joanna Fay; and sister-in-law, Ginger Fay.

A Celebration of Life for Jane Fay will be held on Thursday, March 20th at Edgewood Community Church in Waupun, WI. Come for food and fellowship with family and friends from 4:30-6:00pm. A time of remembrance begins at 6:00pm. You are welcome to come for all or any part of this celebration of Jane’s life.

In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Edgewood Community Church in Waupun or a charity of your choice in memory of Jane Fay.