Norman "Jay" Few

Norman “Jay” Few, 76, Las Vegas, formerly of Rockford, passed away in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 25, 2024, following complications from a stroke. He was born August 19, 1947, in Alexandria, LA to Norman Few and Patricia Nugent-Few.  Although his parents divorced, Ronald Schmeling, who married Patricia in 1959, became Jay’s loving and devoted Dad.  Jay was a graduate of Rockford West High School, class of 1966. In High School Jay was a part of the football and wrestling team. He went on to earn a full ride scholarship to Illinois State for wrestling. Jay was also the freshman class president of Illinois State and a member of the Gamma Phi Circus. He graduated from Illinois State with his Bachelor of Arts in Education.  

Jay married Carol Johnson in Rockford on October 6,1973 and went on to raise four wonderful children. They attended Our Savior’s Lutheran Church for many years. 

Jay taught Driver’s Education class at Hononegah High School.  After teaching, he went on to open his own insurance agency with Farmers Insurance. He pursued his passion of running his agency until he retired.

Jay had many hobbies. He loved spending time with family, especially his kids and grandkids. He enjoyed reading, doing puzzles, sudoku, walking, and fishing. He continued his love of sports by watching the Chicago Bears, the Chicago Cubs, and the Wisconsin Badgers. Jay also refereed high school wrestling for many years. 

Survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Carol, of Las Vegas; his children, Katie (Matt) Pozzi of Rockford, Erika (Gabe Gilmore) Krupkin of Las Vegas, NV, David (Carol) Few of Las Vegas, NV, and Allison (Luke) Dunham of Houston, TX; his grandchildren, Austin and Cooper Pozzi, Carter, Drew and Ella Krupkin, Ayla and Harper Few, and Graham and Zoey Dunham; his father, Ron Schmeling; his siblings, Gary (Leslie) Few, Sister Annette Schmeling, RSCJ and Mark (Lynn) Schmeling; his sister-in-law, Barb Myers; many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by Norman Few, Patricia Schmeling; his brother, Kevin Schmeling; his in laws, Mary and Roy Johnson.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 9:30 A.M to 11:00 A.M. with a Memorial Service following at 11 A.M. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home and Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford. Cremation rites have been accorded.  Memorials may be made to the family. Share online condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.