On June 12, 2018, Jay L. Ten Napel, 48, of San Tan Valley, AZ, died after a brief battle with cancer and is now singing along with the thousands of guardian angels who worked overtime during his many earthly adventures.

Born on June 3, 1970, in Sibley, IA, to Lee and Elaine (Beimers) Ten Napel, Jay attended Sibley Christian Elementary, Faith Christian High School, and Northwest Iowa Community College. On December 24, 1988, Jay married his high school sweetheart, Karen (Bosma), and they were blessed with two daughters, Brooke and Nicole, the ultimate sources of his pride.

Jay humbly served for 23 years in the Army National Guard. He enlisted in December 1989, and served as an enlisted soldier for 13 years (attaining the rank of Sergeant). He completed Officer Candidate School in August 2002 and then served as a Transportation and Logistics Officer. His deployments included serving as a Transportation Platoon Leader for the 2168th Transportation Company during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004 to 2005, and as Company Commander for Delta Company, 334th Brigade Support Battalion during Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) in 2010 to 2011. Jay retired from service in January 2013 having attained the rank of Captain. He earned many awards for his honorable service including the Bronze Star.

His civilian career began in auto body work and transitioned into working in the insurance industry. He worked for Nationwide Insurance in Iowa and most recently Sentry Insurance in Arizona.

Jay had a zest for life and will be remembered for his quick-wit, jovial spirit, and mischievous spark. Family and friends will fondly hold memories of him singing karaoke, serving as a carpenter for anyone in need, playing golf, cheering for the Hawkeyes, Steelers, and Angels, and adding spicy “pickles” to everything imaginable. Jay lit up any room he entered and his determination to bring smiles and laughter to those he encountered will be deeply missed.

Left to cherish his memories are his beloved wife, Karen, and daughters, Brooke (Cincinnati, OH) and Nicole (Lawrence, KS); his parents, Lee and Elaine of Sibley, IA; and siblings, Jeff (Connie) of Sibley, IA; Wade (Karmen) of Dakota Dunes, SD; and Mindi (Chris O’Brien) of Kansas City, MO. Jay is also survived by loving in-laws, nieces, nephews, and a host of long-time friends and extended family.

An open house to celebrate his life will be at the Sibley Golf & Country Club from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on June 30, 2018. Please bring photographs and written memories you wish to share as keepsakes for his wife and daughters.