Jay Toelkes

What a journey Jay Toelkes had in his earthly life. He passed away peacefully on December 29, 2025, at Harmony House Memory Care in Salem, Oregon where he had resided for the last ten months. His wife, Sharon Janney-Toelkes, was by his side, and had lovingly cared for him at home in Silverton, Oregon for five years prior.

Jay was born July 15, 1959, to Roger and Dixie Toelkes (Hummer) of Tecumseh, Kansas. From a young age, his dad instilled an intense love of sports in him. That love led to him being involved in many sports at Shawnee Heights High School. He was a standout player on the football field and made the All-City Team one of the years while playing football for Shawnee Heights. He played his senior year for Hayden High School (class of 1977). His prowess allowed him a football scholarship to Pittsburg State in Pittsburg, Kansas and graduated in 1981 with a Business Degree.

Jay's natural drive and confidence carried into his career choices, first with Ryder Trucking. In 1989, he was proudly awarded one of just three National Sales Awards by Ryder. Later he worked in sales of food packaging advancing to Vice President of Sales for Power Packaging.

He married his high school sweetheart, Martha Riddle, of Topeka. They had two children, Adam Toelkes of Chesterfield, Virgina, and little Aubrey, who preceded him in death. Also, in his legacy are his son Ryan Toelkes of Kansas City and a daughter, Taylor Jaye of Chicago. His grandchildren include Zoe and Blake of Virginia, and baby Ember of Chicago.

He first met the love of his life, Sharon, in 2009 and they were married for almost 13 years until his death. Sharon has two daughters, Hilary of Portland, Oregon (spouse Casey and son Ellis), and Lauren of San Francisco, California (spouse Michael). He is survived not only by those mentioned above, but also by his loving sister, Jill Toelkes Beam (Gary) of Auburn, Kansas, as well as his Uncle Mike of Georgia, many cousins, Uncle Bill of Kansas, and his nieces and nephews. Another invaluable relationship was with his cousin, Brett of Lawrence, Kansas. Through his sharp wit and natural charisma, he brought a lively, understated humor to every moment, a quality that will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his dear sister, Julie, little Aubrey, his mother Dixie, and his grandparents, as well as two uncles, Dick and Phil. Jay's memorial service will be in Topeka, Kansas on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at Brennan Mathena Chapel on 6th and Taylor St.

Donations in Jay's name can be made to the Alzheimer's Association or American Cancer Society.