Jerome E. Hayes was born in Comfrey, MN, on May 2, 1951, to "Buck" and Opal Hayes. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. He attended St. Paul's School until 1965 and then graduated from Comfrey Public High School in 1969. He attended and graduated Jackson Vocational School in 1970 from the Plumbing program. He worked at Schuler Plumbing in Elmore, MN, and then returned to the Windom area working at Caldwell Packing Co., City of Mt. Lake and lastly at the Cottonwood County Highway Department in Windom. On August 29, 1970, he was united in marriage to Alice M. Peterson at St. Francis Xavier Church in Windom, MN. They were blessed with Nichole, Jennifer, and Rebecca. Much time was spent playing softball, golf, riding motorcycle, traveling, hunting, telling stories, and most importantly spending time with children and grandchildren-spending a good deal of time going to support them at various events. He was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a member of the Mt. Lake Fire Department. He was a Gopher fan and stayed a Viking fan regardless of how they did. He also enjoyed "farming" for family and friends whenever he could. He was diagnosed with Metastic Melanoma in February of 2015. After a brief period of cancer suppression, it returned and ended his life on September 26, 2015, at his home with his family at his side. He is survived by his wife, Alice of Mt. Lake, MN. Daughters: Nichole Hayes of Windom, MN; Jennifer Hayes (Jason Voshage) of Monument, CO.; Rebecca Konz (Travis) of Bingham Lake, MN. Grandchildren: Tabitha Khemphomma (Adam) of Mt. Lake, MN; Taneisha Hayes of Windom; Codey Hayes and Brody Hayes of Windom, MN. Mackenzie and Max Voshage of Monument, CO. Mikalah and Hunter Konz of Bingham Lake, MN. Great Grandchildren: Keaton and Kendrick Khemphomma of Mt. Lake, MN. He is also survived by his Mother, Opal Hayes of Windom, MN. Siblings: Steve (Carol) Hayes of Comfrey, MN ; Warren (Betsy) Hayes of Elephant Butte, NM; Teresa (Alan) Pudenz of Jeffers, MN; Cece (Lynn) Krueger of Hudson, WI. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and extended family. He was preceded in death by his Father, Buck Hayes, and infant granddaughter Alexa Lynn Konz. In lieu of flowers, please send Memorials to the American Cancer Society.