Jason Alex Kays, 45

Jason Alex Kays, 45, of Rockford, died peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, Sept. 19.

Jason was born on Dec. 31, 1970 to Hubert and Alice (Crawford) Kays in Belvidere.

He was a very handy mechanic, collected pennies, loved to fish, sit around campfires, and gardening. Jason had a pet crow for 22 years. He had a passion for cutting trees and splitting lumber. He was a UAW member.

As an inventor, he developed a patent. Jason was loving, caring, and humble and had a wonderful sense of humor. He was a loving son, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Jason is loved and will be missed by his daughter Alexandra Kays; his parents, Hubert and Alice Kays; grandchildren, Liliana (Lily) and Andrew (Drew) Carlson; brothers, Jeff (Denise) Kays, of Rockford, Randy Kays, of Loves Park; nieces, Samantha Kays and Christina Kays; grandmother, Berneitta Kays, of Bradenton Beach, Fla.; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his grandparents, Hubert Kays, Sr.; Darrel Crawford; step-grandparent, George; and grandmother, Ruby Flemming.

A special heart-filled thanks OSF St. Anthony’s nurses and staff, Northern Illinois Hospice, and Dr. Barnhart. A very special thank you to his caregiver and friend, Renee Cicogna.

Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 26, at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services, located at 218 W. Hurlbut Ave. in Belvidere with Randy Rutledge officiating.

Visitation will be from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, Sept. 25, at the funeral home as well as from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. before the service.

Burial will be at Shattuck Grove Cemetery in Boone County. Memorials can be made to the family or Northern Illinois Hospice in Jason’s name.

To light a candle or share a condolence, please visit www.AndersonFCS.com.