John R. Day

Aug 3, 1948 — Sep 17, 2026

Appleton

John Day, aged 78 of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away on September 17, 2026 from natural causes.

John was born to Ronald "Bud" and Margie in Philipsburg, Montana. Growing up in a mountain community, he enjoyed fly fishing and time in the rugged outdoors. He held many jobs including ranch hand, working for the National Forest Service, Deputy Sheriff's Department, driving 100 ton dump trucks at the Berkeley mining pit in Butte, Montana and eventually joining the US Army. It was in Montana that he met and fell in love with his late wife Colleen. John and Colleen were married in 1983 in Montana. They decided to move to Wisconsin to start a family and had two children: Erin and Meghan.

John attended Montana State University and later graduated from UWGB summa cum laude, while helping support his family, and care for his children. He went on to work for a private security firm and the Catholic Church before retiring from a career full of physically demanding tasks.

John was an avid story-teller from all of his life experiences and loved animals both dogs (Cougar, Smokey, Brownie, Pete, Sheba, Waldi, Calleigh and grand dog Charlie) and cats (Vinny, Percy and grandkitties Jaffa, Murdock, Pumpkin and Ollie). He always put his family first and would help build forts and take his children sledding, picnics by the lake and on hikes in nature. He had an affinity for wolves and anything that came in the color blue. He treasured every note, photograph, and art project he was gifted.

John was preceded in death by his wife Colleen, his father Bud, and mother, Margie. He is survived and will be dearly missed by his two daughters, Erin and Meghan Day. He will also be missed by his sister, Lorelee (Lee) Wind, nieces: Julianne, Correnna, and Gracie, his nephew Dennis, and all those who loved him!. Special thanks to Thedacare Hospice team for helping John to live out his final days with care and dignity at home.

A private burial will be held on Oct 16th at 11am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to his daughters for any transitional/estate costs.

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Service Schedule

Upcoming Services

Graveside Service

Friday, October 16, 2026

Starts at 11:00 am (Central time)

St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery

260 N. Green Bay Rd., Neenah, WI 54956

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