Jay Allen Saunders, age 70, of Riverside, passed away on Friday, February 24, 2023, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City, IA. Jay was born on June 22, 1952, in Fargo, North Dakota to John "Jack" and Delores Saunders. He graduated from Battle Lake High School in 1970 and enlisted in the United States Navy. He was stationed in New Orleans, Louisiana and worked in accounting. Following completion of his Naval service, he returned to Battle Lake to work in the family business. He was a very active member of the community and business owner of Battle Lake. Jay served on the Board of Directors of the Battle Lake Civic Chambers, was a Lions Club member where he was the chairman of the charity gambling committee and was a member of the local snowmobiling club. He also enjoyed doing all the local things like bowling at the Shoreline, socializing at the Old Brick Inn, motorcycle riding and hanging out at the family's lake house. After selling the business in 1997, he relocated to the Hawkeye state of Iowa. Jay retired at 65 allowing him time to pursue some of his many hobbies like camping whenever he could, a good fire in his back yard while reading a book or listening to his favorite music, watching documentaries about the Civil War and the Old West along with classic TV shows and Westerns, and his most favorite traveling to historical sites. As much as he loved being a father, he adored being a grandfather even more. He loved watching and cheering for his grandchildren at their sporting events or helping them with a home repair project. His grandkids brought him so much joy and happiness. He was preceded in death by his parents John "Jack" and Delores Saunders. Jay is survived by his four children, Jeff, Jennifer (Jason), Jessica (Brandon), Joey (Jesse), six grandchildren Trevor, Logan, Brandon, Hailey, Hunter, and Dakota, his brother Charles (Marge) and sister Jill, along with numerous relatives and friends. A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, June 22 in Battle Lake at the Shoreline.