Harold Jay Close, age 66, was unexpectedly united with the Lord on November 27, 2014.
He was born June 20, 1948 in New London, Wisconsin to Harold “Ike” and Naomi June (Popke) Close. After graduating from New London High School he proudly served his country during the Vietnam War with 1st Cav, Bravo 2/5 “Ridgerunners”. After returning home he worked alongside his father in construction. For the past 30 years he had his own construction business. On Oct 30, 1971 he married Mary Katherine Langenhuizen at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London. Together they built their home and filled it with wonderful memories, mostly from fishing and hunting adventures. It became the place for the annual Fourth of July party for family.
They also raised three children: Jennifer (Douglas) Blohm, Joseph (Nikki), and Jayme Close who in turn gave them three granddaughters, Madison and Allison Close and Audrie Blohm. He is also survived by his mother, June Close, and two brothers, Jan (Pat) Close and Todd Close. He was preceded in death by his father, Harold “Ike” Close.
Funeral services for Jay will be held on Monday, December 1, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Emanuel Lutheran Church, New London with Pastor Schultz. Burial will be in the New Maple Creek Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 30, 2014 at the Cline & Hanson Funeral Home, New London from 12 noon – 4 p.m. and also at the church on Monday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, a memorial in Jay’s name is being established. In keeping with Jay’s generous and caring attitude, his organs were donated to several people in need of transplants.