Jason Michael Walz, age 54, made his final and largely unscripted exit from this grand stage of life on Friday, December 19, 2025, at home after complications from diabetes.  He would want you to know that despite all expectations and years tempting fate with questionable choices and dedicated to a work schedule of 25/8, he has, in fact, closed his tab.

Memorial Service to celebrate his life will be at 4:00 pm Tuesday, December 30, at Miller Funeral Home Westside Chapel, 6200 W. 41st St., Sioux Falls, SD.  The family will be present prior to the service beginning at 2:30 pm to greet friends.

Jason was born in Sibley, Iowa, November 18th 1971, and spent his early years in Worthington, Minnesota. Later moving east to Apple Valley, Minnesota, where he made lifelong friendships and graduated in 1990. After graduating, he moved about from Arizona and through the Midwest operating a Wendy's in Willmar, MN, and Arby's in Aberdeen, SD, while attending Northern State University, honing the sharp wit and work ethic he received from his mom and dad that would define his professional life. Eventually, the call of family pulled him to Sioux Falls. There, he dedicated himself to his father's path in life of the noble and often frustrating pursuit of restaurant entrepreneurship. Jason was a staple of the Sioux Falls restaurant scene for over 25 years, where he owned and operated Old Chicago, Bogey's Bar & Grill, and the West 12th Street Pourhouse.

As a proprietor and friend, Jason was far more than just the man running the show; he was a foundational pillar for everyone who knew him. When he wasn't commanding a kitchen or adjusting the lights, Jason was busy terrifying local motorists as a dedicated motorcyclist or gliding past on a Onewheel. On two wheels or one, he lived life full throttle, with zero filter and a pretty dicey sense of balance, which led to a few brief, unscheduled dismounts that left more than just his ego bruised.

He believed in doing things right, and had a precise idea of exactly what that "right way" entailed-regardless of whether you were ready to hear it or were still clinging to a more comfortable version of reality.  His management style was…let's just say …" direct," which is merely a polite euphemism for his total lack of a "sugarcoat" setting.

Jason matched his sharp tongue with a style of his own in his Air Force 1's or with phrases that became uniquely his own; his mom always insisted he could "rock a t-shirt", (her words, not ours).  Yet, beneath that polished exterior, the thick layer of sarcasm, and the boisterous "Walz volume," lived a remarkably kind and generous heart.

The void left by Jason's passing is as great and loud as he was. His family and friends are now left to navigate a world that is suddenly, and quite rudely, lacking his witty—and let's face it, usually unasked-for-commentary. Life is now significantly quieter and far less interesting without his boisterous storytelling to fill the room, everything feels a little too quiet and far too polite. Jason will be remembered for his style, his strength, and his refusal to be anything other than himself.

Jason is survived by his father, Michael Walz; his mother, Carolynn Grimmius-Walz; sister, Genna Walz-Terveer, daughter Sadie Wood; and nieces and nephews, Emma and Cade Terveer, along with an aunt, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his "Pa" Alfred and Genevieve Walz, and his "Slayton Grandma" Lorraine Grimmius, who are likely already being subjected to a detailed critique of celestial amenities.

Jason left no final requests or sentimental instructions, likely because he figured we'd mess it up anyway. He probably would prefer we all just carry on without making it a thing. However, the family suggests raising a glass to his memory and for just a moment, complain loudly about the quality of something completely trivial in his honor.

Family and friends are invited to raise a glass and share stories at The Westside Attic, 5213 W. 12th Street, Sioux Falls, SD 57106 following this memorial service from 5:00 - 6:30 pm.

"Each man's life touches so many other lives; when he's gone, he leaves an awful hole.

But, remember, no man is a failure who has friends".

By Clarence the Angel

"Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings".

By George Bailey's daughter, Zuzu

Thank you today for giving Jason His Wings!!