Martin E. Day

Martin E. Day, age 82, of Neenah passed away on February 5, 2026 at Aspire in Kimberly peacefully, surrounded by his family. He was born on December 7, 1943 in Chicago to the late Martin and Shirley (May) Day.

Martin was a man whose life was defined not by accolades, but by presence – steady, generous, and unwavering.

In his younger years, he was a gifted athlete, excelling in football, baseball, and basketball during high school. That competitive spirit never left him, but it softened into something deeper: a lifelong commitment to showing up for the people he loved.

Family was his north star. He was a devoted husband of 63 years, deeply in love with his wife, Nancy (Johnson) and always attentive to her needs. They were united in marriage on August 24, 1963 at Grace Lutheran Church in Winchester, WI. Their partnership was the foundation of everything he did. As a father, he was constant and dependable- the catcher for pitching practice for his daughter, their biggest fan in every sport, running marathons and riding his bike alongside his daughter, never lagging behind, never missing a moment.

In retirement, his hands stayed busy and his heart wide open. Quilting became his ministry. He lovingly created hundreds of prayer quilts and baptism gifts through his church, along with baby quilts, door hangers, table runners, and table toppers for friends and neighbors in his retirement community. He crafted graduation or milestones quilts to remind recipients they were seen and celebrated. Martin has been known to give the quilt off his very own bed if someone liked it! A skilled woodworker, Martin poured his love into tangible gifts- building a cradle for his grandchildren, hope chests, and scrapbooks for his son’s basketball team.

Martin went wherever his family went- even if the destination wasn’t his favorite- because being together mattered more than comfort. He helped remodel his daughter’s farm house, attended every grandchild’s sport event, competition, recital, and performance. If there was a seat in the audience, he was in it.

Martin was endlessly giving, always placing others before himself, never hesitating when someone needed help. Christmas was his season of joy – baking cookies and candy every day with Nancy throughout December, assembling treat trays, and sharing them freely, simply to make people smile.

When he entered a room, he carried a presence – calm, warm, grounding. You knew when he was there. When Martin started a project, you knew he would work on it until it was complete -early to rise and staying up late.

Most of all, he loved. Fully, faithfully and without condition. And that love lives on in the family he cherished, the hands he helped, and the countless lives quietly changed by his generosity.

Martin is survived by his wife, Nancy Day; children: Karen (Michael) Milner, Kelly Luther, Martin (Trish) Day; grandchildren: Anna (Jesse) Holmes, Mark (Michelle Babbitts) Heil, Sadie (Mike) Bray, Cooper Andre, Hattie (Fiancé, Simon Waller) Andre, Maddy (Eric Leonardo) Day, Gavin Day; great granddaughter, Leola Heil; and siblings: Bob Day, Kerry Day, Dee (Ken) Burton, Tim (Jan) Day; sister-in-law, Alice Day. He was further preceded in death by his son-in-law, Gordy Luther; siblings: Ron Day, Susan (Lee) Clark; and sisters-in-law: Leslie Day and Donna Day.

A celebration of life will be held on Sunday, June 7, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at the Winchester Town Hall; 8522 Parkway Ln, Larsen, WI 54947. Visitation will begin at 12:00 p.m. NOON until the hour of Service. Quilting was a large part of Martin's life; if he made you a quilt, we encourage you to bring it along and share a memory. 

The family would like to thank Moments Hospice and Aspire for all the care and compassion given to Martin.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.