Jeffrey S. Hayes 63, died January 12, 2025, peacefully at home surrounded by love after a short courageous battle with cancer. Jeff was born on May 19, 1961 in Rockford IL to Nita A (Schneider) DalSanto and Leslie E. Hayes. Jeff served in the United States Air Force at Eglin AFB, FL and Lowry AFB, CO, retired from Comcast and spent more than 40 years with the love of his life Pam (Prestegaard) Hayes.

Everyone who knew Jeff knew he was the life of the party, loved Budweiser and later Busch Light and always had a good joke ready. Jeff developed a love for bowling at a young age that continued throughout his life. He loved fishing any time of the year, watching Nascar Racing, either in person at Bristol or on TV and was a diehard Packer fan. He is a member of the SMSF club where he enjoyed Trap shooting, many club events and just hanging out at the bar being Jeff. His passion was golf! He LOVED anything golf, a casual game, weekly golf league or big outings, anytime he had an opportunity to be on the course with his PurpleHayes Teammates, his colleagues from Comcast or family and friends he was in his happy place.

Jeff genuinely loved his life with Pam. Their life started after Jeff got out of the Air force in Houston TX, then went north to Springfield Il and eventually settled in Northern Illinois. They spent time together doing what they both loved, traveling all over the USA, taking care of their home and garden, grilling some fantastic meats to share on the back patio with neighbors, family and friends. But most of all just sitting around a backyard campfire with Pam watching the birds and enjoying life.

Jeff is survived his wife Pam (Prestegaard) Hayes, his siblings, Lisa (Lawrence) Grubb, Les Hayes, Brett Hayes; Nephews and Nieces, Tyler Grubb, Sydney Grubb, Brianna Prestegaard, Andrew Prestegaard (Mike and Josephine Prestegaard), Nicholas Liakouras (John and Michele Liakouras), Andy Branson, Mackenzie Branson (Suzy Branson), Jamison Hayes and Fletcher Hayes. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, sister Kelly Adams, cousin Steven Schneider and good friend Larry.

There will be a Celebration of Life Open House at the McHenry VFW Post 4600, 3002 W IL. Route 120, McHenry IL on Sunday February 2nd from 2:00pm to 6:00pm. Please join us to share a few beers, photos, “fish” stories, laughter, tears and lifetime memories worth celebrating.