Joe Day passed away on April 3, 2026, at Ellis Good Samaritan, at the age of 72. He was born on April 22, 1953 to Orville “Jim” and Adeline (Kinderknecht) in Hays, KS. He was his sister’s two-year birthday present.
Joe spent his childhood keeping his parents and siblings on their toes. He attended St. Mary’s School and was an altar boy for the church. A few months after graduating from Ellis High School he and his best friend enlisted in the Navy. Joe said that was one of the best times of his life as he got to travel the world. After the Navy he worked in the oil fields. In 1991 he went to work for Ellis County Road and Bridge driving a truck. Before he retired in 2015, he could operate any machinery they had.
Joe never let the grass grow under his feet. He was also maintenance for Spruce Villa and Meadowview Apartments where he spoiled the residents by doing extra things for them. You would also find him around town repairing things for the older citizens of Ellis.
If he wasn’t busy doing maintenance you would find him with his best friend Kenny Windholz, refurbishing and restoring the many houses around Ellis or just sitting on their buckets talking about the latest happenings around town.
Joe was known for his famous Green Bean and Dumpling Soup that he made for the Methodist Churches Fall Bazaar. The other was his caramel corn that he made for his friends at Christmas.
The thing that brought him happiness was playing Santa Claus for all the Gaschler children. He always brought many smiles to the kids as he passed out the presents to them. He even got the adults engaged in the festivities with his merriment.
He had a knack for bringing joy and laughter to any situation. His warmth and love for his family and friends will be remembered by all who knew him.
He is survived by his wife, Karen; his children Chris Smith (Connie) of Ellis, KS, Brandie Rush (Todd) of Wichita, KS, Ryan Day of Tucson, AZ, Kassie Day of Downs, KS. His grandchildren Brandon Rush (Leslie) Wichita, KS, Miles and Avery Day of Hays, KS. His sister Kristine Bollig, Hays, KS and four nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers Leonard Day & Tom Kinderknecht, and infant sister Mary Day.
Memorial services will be 10:00 a.m. on Saturday April 11, 2026 – Ellis United Methodist Church. Friday visiting will be at Keithley Funeral Homes-Ellis Chapel 400 E. 17th Ellis, KS 67637 from 5:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Military Honors to follow services outside of the church. Private family inurnment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Ellis Good Samaritan.
Please share memories on Joe’s tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com