Jay Mark Schanfeldt Sr.

Jay Mark Schanfeldt, Sr. passed away on November 4, 2025, at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport, Illinois. He was born on November 27, 1943, in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the only child of Walter and Olive Schanfeldt.

Mark graduated from Fairfield High School in 1962 and went on to attend the Kansas City Art Institute.

In 1964, he married his high school sweetheart, Judith Hastings, at the First Methodist Church in Fairfield, Iowa.

His career with Universal Producing Company led to a transfer to Freeport when Universal bought Newell Companies. Following his time with Newell, Mark owned and operated Penwell Signs for many years and created and installed several signs seen throughout Freeport businesses.

Mark had a lifelong love of cars. He worked at AutoZone and later retired from NAPA Auto Parts, where he could talk about cars all day long. He and his co-worker, Glen Elliott, became fast friends, sharing their love of car shows, drag races, and lunches at Route 20 whenever possible.

After retirement, Mark gave back to the Freeport community by volunteering at FHN and The Salvation Army.

Family was at the heart of Mark’s life, and he was happiest when surrounded by loved ones. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren and supported them in all their life adventures.

Mark is survived by his wife of 61 years, Judy; his son, Jay; and his daughter, Angie. His five grandchildren were the joy of his life: Blaine, Evan, and Erin (Connor Bernardo) Schanfeldt, and Megan and Michael O’Brien.

He was preceded in death by his parents; stepbrother, Bob Parke; in-laws, John and Christine Hastings; brother-in-law, Ronnie Hastings; and son-in-law, Mike O’Brien.

Memorial services will be 10:30 am Saturday November 15, 2025 at Burke Tubbs Funeral Home. Visitation from 9:00 am until the time of service. In lieu of flowers a memorial will be established in Mark’s name at Friends Forever Humane Society and FHN Hospice.