Wendell Day

Wendell Day, age 87, of Hastings, Michigan, left this life and went to his heavenly home on December 8, 2020.

Wendell Day was born to Leo and Zana (Beach) Day on March 14, 1933.  He was a proud graduate of Nashville High School.  On July 23, 1953 he married Ruthanne (Herzel) Kauffman. Wendell and Ruthanne were married for 25 years.

Wendell served in the US Army during the Korean War.  Wendell worked for his brother-in-law, Vern Wheeler, as a mechanic, and in the late-1950s Wendell worked as a pit crew-member for Gordon Johncock racing team, who later went on to win the Indianapolis-500 in 1973 and 1982. He was also a mechanic at Eckert's Auto Sales, and then became a bus garage mechanic at Hastings Area Schools, retiring in 1995.

On June 2, 1978 Wendell married Janet Claypool, and they enjoyed 42 years together.  Wendell was a longtime member of the Masons, serving his chapter's Secretary. He was a faithful member of the Green Street First United Methodist Church of Hastings where he served as a Trustee for 25 years.  Wendell enjoyed NASCAR, and helping others, spending time cutting wood and snowplowing neighbors' driveways.  He loved dogs, especially Jack Russells.

Wendell was preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: Elaine (Joseph) Butine; Duane (Marion) Day, and Eloise (Vern) Wheeler, niece, Jeanette Day, and stepdaughter, Vickie, and his beloved cousin, Stuart Day.

Wendell is survived by his wife, Janet, his children, Joyce Biela; Paul (Susan) Day, and Karen (Ray) Kenyon; beloved grandchildren, Jenna Biela, Nick Kenyon (fiancée, Rachael Harris); stepdaughters, Kathy, Sherri, and Laura Jane; Janet's twin sister, Janette; his nieces, Nancy (Rod) and Mary (Lew); and nephews, Tom (Diane), Mike (Lainie), Mark (Denise), and Steve, and many other extended family members.

His family is grateful for the help of Wendell's neighbors, the Hospice workers, and the prayers of his church family. Memorial contributions can be made to the Hastings Food Bank at Green Street Church, https://www.barrycf.org/funds/hastings-food-pantry-fund/ , Barry Community Foundation, 231 S Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058.

Funeral services will be held at the Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 W. Green Street; Hastings, MI on Sunday, December 13, 2020 at 11:00 am. The service will be livestreamed and can be viewed at www.facebook.com/GirrbachFuneralHome . A Facebook Account is not needed to view the service.

Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home.  To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net .