Wallace Jay Critser

Wallace Jay Critser, 86, of Rensselear, passed away November 24, 2020, peacefully at Rensselaer Care Center.

Jay was born July 27, 1934, to Joseph and Mabel (Wallace) Critser in Rensselaer. He had two brothers, Jerry Critser and Russell ‘Gus’ Critser. He married Ardis Kathleen (Eldridge) on March 29, 1953. They both were graduates of the class of 1952. They had five children together, Kathy (George) Groom, Karen (Jeff) Henady, Kay (Bruce) Rollins, Jayne Critser and Alan Critser. Over the years they welcomed seven grandchildren: Heather (Jim) Hall, Corey (Amber) Groom, Ashley (Cooper) Rollins, Tyler (June) Rollins, Ryan Rollins, Melissa (Graham) Carroll, Karly (Spencer) Alvey, then followed with 11 great-grandchildren.

Jay was an avid fisherman, hunter, trapper, who loved hosting fish fries for his family and friends. He followed in his father’s footsteps and enjoyed racing horses. Jay and Ardis spent 59 wonderful years together, before she passed in 2012. Some of his best times in later years were spent at Jerry’s Gun Shop, Campbell’s Printing, and Trail Tree, shooting the breeze with the town’s storytellers.

Jay was preceded in death by his parents, wife: Ardis, daughter: Kay and her husband: Bruce Rollins.

A graveside service for the family and friends will be held at Weston Cemetery, on December 12, 2020 at 10:00 a.m..

Thanks to Jay’s family for writing this obituary.