Jeffery Taylor

Jeffery Taylor passed away surrounded by his loving family at home in Grafton on Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023. He was 58 years old and was an amazing man, son, brother, husband, dad, papa, uncle, friend and peer.

  Jeffery was born in Wisconsin in 1965 and became the son of adoring parents Paul and Mary (nee Link) Taylor.

He spent his early childhood in the Wisconsin Rapids area before the family moved to Port Washington.

His parents were devoted members of St. Mary’s Parish, where he also attended school. He went on to Port Washington High School and graduated with the Class of ’83. It was during those years spent in Port Washington that so many lifelong friendships were formed.

He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and then began pursuing an earlier childhood dream of becoming a police officer.

  Jeff was hired by the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Department in 1991 and started his career as a deputy sheriff in the jail division.

Also in 1991 while both working for the Sheriff’s Office, he met his future wife Deb. Becoming friends and eventually marrying, they built and sustained a wonderful and loving family for over 30 years.

He worked hard and quickly rose through the ranks professionally, serving in many capacities before retiring in 2019 as undersheriff. He was able to serve the citizens of Ozaukee County for more than 28 years.

  Jeff made countless contributions to the Sheriff’s Office but he was most passionate and proud about his work as lead detective for the Ozaukee County Anti-Drug Task Force.

He was a longtime member of the Wisconsin Narcotics Officers’ Association; he served as its president and past president and his team was awarded the Drug Unit of the Year.

He was extremely dedicated to his cases and even after his retirement remained involved, donating his personal time and efforts to assist with investigations.

He was involved in leading the way to discover the ability to use groundbreaking genetic genealogy to solve a cold case within the county and then to other cases nationwide.

He was also a leader and involved in many other facets of law enforcement. He was able to make meaningful contributions and earn awards and recognition for his many achievements. He was a leader in starting the “coin” program, as well as updating policies and police procedures, ensuring that police equipment was being well maintained and updated and he worked very hard on budgeting and personnel to name just a few.  ​

  As hard-working as he was professionally, he was even more focused on his family, friends and hobbies. Jeff was an avid sports fan including all the Wisconsin staples — Brewers, Badgers and Packers, including watching the Pack win a Super Bowl in person.

He enjoyed many activities including traveling with his wife as well as other family and friends. He loved playing cards, specifically sheepshead and cribbage, fishing, golfing, bowling, and exploring new food and beverage experiences. He loved being able to spend time just hanging out with family and friends. Jeff could often be found attending many activities early on for his children and more recently his grandchildren, all of whom brought him so much pride and joy.

  His dedication to his family and friends was extremely important to him, so he tried to maintain as many of these hobbies and presence at functions even while battling serious health issues over the last seven years. It was important to him to create as many memories as possible, including enjoying a trip to Ireland just one year ago which was a lifelong dream.

  Many will mourn the loss, but cherish Jeff’s memory especially his loving wife Deb; their children Andrea (Dan) Weber, Carissa Kiepert and Zach Taylor; three beautiful grandchildren; his father Paul Taylor; and his sister Amy (Dennis) Donfris.

Jeff is also survived by nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, brother, sister and parent in-laws, his law enforcement family, and countless other friends and supporters.

Jeff felt so grateful to have connected with new loving and supportive family members and relationships that have now been cut short.

Jeff was preceded in death most recently by his mother Mary Taylor and other close relatives.

  The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, Dec. 12, from 2 to 5 p.m. at Eernisse Funeral Home, 1600 W. Grand Ave., Port Washington. Ceremonies, including a law enforcement walk through, will begin promptly at 5 p.m., followed by a service led by Father Patrick Wendt.

  It is highly recommended to utilize the shuttle service arranged by the family by parking at the Ozaukee County Sheriff’s Department parking lot west end entrance. The service will run from 2 to 6 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials to the Cancer Research Institute (Cancerresearch.org) or Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (Jdrf.org).

  Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.