Jay Ilia Smaltz

Jay Smaltz passed away Tuesday, May 29, 2012 in Mesa . He was born July 7, 1927 in Le Mars, Iowa to William I. & Edna V. Smaltz. Jay attended schools in Le Mars and graduated from Iowa State College with a B.S. degree in Dairy Industry. He spent two years in the U.S. Navy during WW II.

Mr. Smaltz moved to Oakland, California in 1951 and went to work with the Carnation Milk Company. In 1957 he was hired to be production manager at Anderson Dairy in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In 1963 Mr. Smaltz entered the real estate business and worked at Lake Havasu City, AZ, Pueblo West CO, Fountain Hills, AZ and Venture Out in Mesa. Mr. Smaltz retired in 1992 and stayed busy with managing Smaltz Farm interest in Plymouth County, Iowa. Jay enjoyed swimming, golf, sailing and watching baseball.

He is survived by 3 sons: David (Marge) Smaltz, Andrew (Teresa) Smaltz and Christopher Smaltz and (Gina Lawrence); seven grandchildren: Nicole M., Jessica Lynn, Michael, Jennifer, Zac, Anthony and Alyahi. Also surviving is his twin brother: John Smaltz and one sister: Jean Hulbert and his long time companion Marjorie Jarvis. Jay is preceded in death by his daughter Kathy and his parents.

In lieu of flowers the family is requesting contributions in Jay’s name to Hospice of the Valley, 1510 E. Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ .

A memorial service for Mr. Smaltz will be held on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at 9:00 am at Mariposa Gardens Cemetery Chapel, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85206 (480) 830-4422 www.mariposagardens .com