Memorial

Jary Evan Siegel, born September 12, 1959, passed away this week from complications of colon cancer. He was preceded in death by his parents, Oscar and Lillian, and his brother, Stuart. He is survived by his daughter, Lilliyana; his son, Elijah; and his siblings, Joyce, Craig, Ken, and Scott.

Born in Cedar Rapids, he attended Grant Wood Elementary. The family moved to Tucson in 1970 and then to San Diego in 1974, where Jary played varsity football and basketball. Teachers regarded him as a math savant and he graduated from La Jolla High School in 1978.

Later that year the family moved back to Cedar Rapids. Jary initially stayed in La Jolla, but his first job as a golf range attendant at Torrey Pines didn’t quite pay the bills, so he soon followed his family back to Iowa. Jary’s career in the jewelry and pawn industry started shortly after with the family business - Siegel’s Jewelry & Loan. He quickly embraced the diamond business and became a certified GIA Diamond Grader. Over the past 45 years, Jary was one of the most well-respected diamond graders and traders in the country. Diamond dealers and buyers praised him for his impeccable memory of diamond prices and his ability to analyze a diamond’s characteristics with unmatched speed and accuracy. Jary will be remembered as a legend in the diamond industry, and he will be missed for his inimitable qualities that he brought to the table.

Jary has two amazing children, Lilliyana and Elijah.

One of Jary's first and most enduring gifts to Lilliyana was her name. In the Jewish tradition of carrying forward the memory of those who came before us, Lilliyana was named in honor of Jary's beloved mother, a woman whose warmth, generosity, and spirit not only left a blueprint for her family but continues to live on through Lilliyana today. As Lilliyana grew, Jary watched with pride as she embraced her love of dance and cheerleading and later discovered a passion for the beauty industry. Every milestone brought Jary quiet joy.

Jary, a passionate sports fan, passed his love for sports down to his 14-year-old son, Elijah. Jary and Eli would practice and toss the football around with any opportunity. Jary was incredibly proud of Eli’s extraordinary talent, dedication, and sportsmanship and though he is no longer in the stands, his love and pride will continue to guide Eli with every touchdown and every step of his journey. 

Jary would often bring the kids with him for work trips to California and Las Vegas, and they shared many fond memories when traveling together. He loved his kids more than anything else in life.

Jary had a colorful social life and liked entertaining and bringing people into the fold of the party. In one chapter of his life, Jary owned and operated Hollywoods Bar, Penguins Comedy Club, and Big Dogs in Cedar Rapids. He had a knack for impersonations and enjoyed imitating voices and developing characters to entertain his friends. Spend enough time with him and you’d end up meeting Rodney Dangerfield, Sylvester Stallone, Howard Cosell, and Richard Nixon.

In his work and beyond, Jary encountered people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and he will be remembered for his generosity to help out those in need.

Jary’s cancer was preventable and hopefully we can learn from this event and prolong people’s lives going forward. Memorial donations may be made to the Colorectal Cancer Alliance, Jefferson Cheerleading, or the Jefferson Athletic Booster Club.

A burial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026, at Eben Israel Cemetery. 

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