Jay Over

age 68, of Las Vegas, NV (formerly of Lakewood, CO; Evergreen, CO; Idaho Springs, CO; and South Milwaukee, WI) found peace and entered eternal life Wednesday, March 6, 2024. 

He is survived by former wife and devoted companion Denise Stiemke (Frederick) of Las Vegas, NV. In Jay’s words, he characterized Denise as “my best friend in all the world.” He is lovingly survived by brothers Brian Stiemke (partner Lynda Lee Over) of Mount Pleasant, WI and Phil Over (Luana) of Prairie du Chien, WI. He is devotedly survived by sisters Paula Andrews of Arvada, CO and Diane Stiemke-Mandella (Don Mandella) of Franklin, WI.

Jay is also fondly remembered by nephews Ryan Andrews (Kate Avallone) of Belmont, MA, Colin Stiemke (Kristin Mull) of Onalaska, WI and Jordan Stiemke of Prairie du Chien, WI. He is affectionately survived by nieces Barbra Stricker (Michael) of Arvada, CO, Jillian Over of Hart, MI, Kara Erickson-Over of Denver, CO and Shelby Erickson-Over of Madison, WI. He is survived by his first wife Jane Meissner (Cieszynski), of Crivitz, WI. He is further survived by other friends and relatives.

He is preceded in death by his father, Donald G. Over (d. 1992), and his mother, Gertrude M. Over (d. 2002), who were both music teachers in the South Milwaukee school system.

Jay had a special gift of being able to get people to laugh. Family dinners were regularly highlighted by his parodies of us siblings, teachers, classmates and TV personalities, bringing the family to hysterics with his impressions. No one could escape his sassy sense of fun. Family stories re-told by Jay were elevated from the mundane to the sublime. 

He loved the Green Bay Packers and IndyCar racing. He loved the USAF Thunderbirds. From his house he could watch them fly, and loved living in Las Vegas to have that opportunity. He loved music. Having sung in his father’s choirs during high school, Jay continued singing for years in the Milwaukee area (Cantare Chorale and Jordan Chorale). After moving to Colorado, Jay continued his singing during Christmastime. For years he would drive four hours 'over the mountains and through the cold' to join family and friends in Grand Junction for a night of traditional caroling around the city.