Jay R. Wocelka, age 70, of Sheboygan, WI, passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, surrounded by his family—leaving this world with fireworks, as only he could.
Born on January 23, 1955, in Park Falls, WI. Jay was the third youngest of eight siblings. He was a man of God who lived with love, purpose and faith. He had a sharp wit, and absolutely zero interest in following the rules—unless it involved repairing a car, building a deck at the campground or keeping up with Sheri’s rules.
Jay started working at his dad’s Mobil gas station at the age of 10, and from that point on, he never stopped. His entire career was spent in the car and tire industry, where he wore many hats from grease-stained work shirts to buttoned-up management. He officially retired in 2020 from Pomp’s Tire Service, where he served as the company’s Marketing Manager—but in truth, he was the guy they sent in when things needed fixing, whether it was a business strategy or someone’s attitude. If an employee got out of line, Jay was the one they called to straighten it out—quick, direct, and usually with a smirk. He was the hardest-working man you’d ever meet—part boss, part counselor, part comedian—and he took pride in doing things the right way, with grit, guts, and a good sense of humor.
Jay had a heart that didn’t know how to quit. If you needed help, he was there—whether you were family, a friend, neighbor, coworker, or a stranger at a gas station. He gave without hesitation and never asked for anything in return.
But above all, Jay loved his Sheri Bob with everything he had. They were united in marriage on May 13, 1994. She was his whole world. When she passed away in December 2023, a part of him went with her. Now, they’re reunited in heaven—probably dancing in the kitchen, laughing over coffee, or teaming up to keep an eye on all of us from above.
Jay was a proud husband, dad, grandpa, brother, friend, and neighbor. He had a lifelong love of cars and had an eye for finding the best dive bar for burgers and beer. He found joy in the little things-sunny days at the campground, Florida living with his neighbors and scenic car rides with Sheri by his side. Jay was the life of the party.
He is survived by his children, Travis (Jessica) Wocelka; Tyler Wocelka and Raya (Jeff) Clements; step daughters Jackie (Destinie) Scheidt and Jenny (Greg) Schmidt. He is further survived by his grandchildren Kaylee, Jamie, Lauren, Crew, Owen, Colton, Ellie and Hunter; siblings Jean, Janice, Joel and Jeff. He leaves behind a big extended family and a circle of friends who will forever miss his one-liners, bear hugs, and willingness to drop everything to help someone out.
He is preceded in death by his wife Sheri; his parents Raymond and Rita Wocelka; his siblings John, Jim and Jerry.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. at Zimmer Westview Funeral & Cremation Care Center, W2132 Garton Rd, Sheboygan, WI 53083, with Joseph Zenk officiating. For those who cannot attend the Celebration of Life it will be available via livestream recording on the funeral home’s website. Family will greet visitors on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 3:00 p.m. until the time of service.
The family would like to thank the staff at Vince Lombardi Cancer Clinic for their care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, please do something kind for someone, tell a corny joke, pour a cold High Life, or donate to the Sharon S. Richardson Community Hospice in Jay’s honor.
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