Jason Jay Palka

Jason “Jay” Palka, 44, of Manteno passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025. He was born November 12,1980 in Blue Island, the son of Edward Donald and Lori Beth (Gertler) Palka. He married Natalie Benavides on December 18, 2010 at Risen Savior Lutheran Church in Manteno. Jay coached little league and children’s baseball, basketball, and football in Manteno over the past 15 years. He was a loan officer, business owner, attended Urban Prairie Community Church, enjoyed bowling and most of all spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving family, wife, Natalie Palka; four sons, Jason “JJ” Palka, Jr, Hayden Palka, Jaxon Palka and Jordan Palka; daughter, Alexis Kenworthy; parents, Edward and Lori Palka, Sr.; sisters, Kristy Palka (Jake Makaryk), Karly (Stephen) Granko, Kaitlyn (Nathan) Drewes; brothers, Michael (Stacy) Palka and Edward (Nicole) Palka, Jr; two grandchildren, Colton Kenworthy and Taytum Davis. Jay is preceded in death by grandfathers, William “Bad Boy Bill” Gertler and Edward Palka; grandmother, Patricia Miller. Visitation will be held at Brown-Jensen Funeral Home in Manteno on Tuesday, June 17, 2025 starting at 3pm until the service at 7pm officiated by Pastor Jason Nelson.