In lieu of gifts and flowers please direct memorials to the family for a cause to be decided at a later date.

Jay L. Reuter, 67, of Marcus passed away Sunday, Feb 1, 2026, at Unity Point St. Lukes downtown in Sioux City, Iowa.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday February 7, 2026 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus with Father Tim Pick officiating and Deacon Jerry Bertrand assisting. Burial will be in Holy Name Catholic Cemetery in Marcus at a later date. Visitation with family present will be 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday with a vigil prayer service at 6 p.m., at Holy Name Catholic Church. Visitation will resume one hour prior to the service Saturday at the church. Services have been entrusted to Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Marcus, IA. Expressions of sympathy may be directed through www.fischfh.com

Jay Lawrence Reuter was born on October 31, 1958, in Le Mars, Iowa, the son of Ronald and Meredith (Nuebel) Reuter. He was raised on the family farm near Marcus and attended Holy Name Catholic School and Marcus Community School, graduating in 1977. He was a member of Holy Name Catholic Church.

As a young man, Jay worked on the family farm and for many local farmers, including Merle and John Sand, Bud Busch, Willie Goth, and Denny Horstman. He later began farming alongside his father and brothers, Gary and Allan, and also farmed for many years with Dean and Ruby Berger and the Reardon family.

Jay attended Northwest Iowa Community College in Sheldon, Iowa, where he studied construction. He worked for Marv Ebert Construction before starting his own construction business. Jay specialized in remodeling homes, building additions, and constructing farm buildings. He often worked alongside his mother, doing painting and finish work. Jay was meticulous and took great pride in the quality of his work. Over the years, he mentored many high school boys during summer jobs, teaching them his trade and forming lasting friendships.

Jay met the love of his life, Carol Ebert, while in high school. They were high school sweethearts and were married on November 10, 1979, at Peace Lutheran Church in Marcus. They made their home south of Marcus, where they raised feeder pigs and farmed together. Jay retired from construction in 2015.

Jay was known for his infectious laugh and quick wit, always cracking jokes and bringing joy to those around him. He loved visiting with people of all ages and making new friends. He was often the life of the party.

In his younger years, Jay enjoyed spending time at Lake Okoboji at his grandparents’ cabin, a tradition he later continued with family and friends. He bowled for many years, enjoyed ice fishing in his early adult years, and loved golfing (right & left hand). Gambling was a favorite pastime — he was happy to share his wins, though he kept his losses to himself.

Jay and Carol shared 46 years of a loving marriage. Jay was immensely proud of his children and the paths they chose, often sharing their accomplishments with others. He treasured time spent with his family and especially his grandchildren.

Jay will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carol Reuter of Marcus; his children, Chris Reuter of Marcus, Iowa, Ashley Reuter (Paul Buttars) of St. Louis, Missouri, and Jamie (Laura) Reuter of West Des Moines, Iowa; and his five grandchildren, Taelyn, Coy, and Vayda Reuter, and Vivian and Celia Buttars.

He is also survived by his siblings, Gary (Pat) Reuter of Remsen, Iowa; Allan (Darcy) Reuter of Marcus, Iowa; and Rhonda (Dale) Schreier of Marcus, Iowa; his in-laws, Linda (Dave) Gravenish of Cherokee, Iowa; Joan (Steve) Swanson of Sioux Falls, South Dakota; Rodney (Beth) Ebert of Marcus, Iowa; and Steve (Jane) Ebert of Cherokee, Iowa; along with numerous uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, and close friends.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Meredith Reuter; his sister, Renee Ebert; his grandparents, Hap and Ione Reuter and Lawrence and Mildred Nuebel; his mother-in-law, Beverly Galles; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.