Ken Laurence Day

Kenneth L. Day, 78, of Wausau, died on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at Aspirus Wausau Hospital.

Ken was born on May 23, 1947, in Wausau, the son of Laurence and Florence (King) Day.

On September 13, 1969, Ken was united in marriage to Lynda Haupt in Wittenberg.

Ken earned his Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He was a Director in the NTC campus system, both in Antigo and Wausau. Ken was later an administrator for the Wausau Aspirus Hospital until his retirement.

Ken was an avid outdoorsman - whether tending his cherished Christmas tree farm, hunting in the woods, or turning a simple piece of wood into something beautiful with his skilled hands. He enjoyed wood turning with the gang at Tony's Workshop, as members of the Wisconsin Woodworkers. He served on numerous community boards throughout his life, always stepping up to lead, support, and give back. Most recently, he acted as chair of the Inclusa Foundation Board, providing funding to organizations serving the elderly and disabled peoples of central Wisconsin. Above all, Ken was a family man. He found his greatest joy in the laughter and company of his loved ones, whether attending his grandchildren's activities or simply spending time with those he held dear.

Ken is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lynda; two children, Shannon Day and Brandon (Jessica) Day; five grandchildren, Calvin Armstrong, Addison Armstrong, Carter Day, Ella Day and Lucy Day; siblings, Elaine Hanke, Marvel Adams, Sharon (Norbie Lorbiecki) Wright, Lois Karpf, Dan (Kristy) Day, Warren (Deb) Day, Larry (Mary) Day, Carla Day-Johnson and brother-in-law, Rick Johnson; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob (Carol) Haupt, Randy (Sally) Haupt, Paula (Dean) Chlebowski, Tim (Kathy) Haupt, Kevin (Todd McCann) Haupt, and Patrick Haupt; nieces and nephews, Shane Hanke, Lance (Lisa Lynn) Adams, Lisa Marie Adams, Scott (Sharon Lee) Wright, Spencer (Tammy) Wright, Chad (Kim) Karpf, Kristen Mueller, Jenni (Brit LaRocque) Day, Ryan Day, Angie (John) Schroeder, Erin (Derek) Kraemer, Molly (Alan) Shamrock, Brenna (Eric) Page, Caile (Travis) Rodgers, Cassie Haupt, Tiffany (Jim) Kimball, Lance (Erin) Golomski, Cory (Gina) Haupt, Kimberly Haupt, Travis (Denise) Borchardt, Teneil (Greg) Walters, Tim Haupt, Melissa (Justin) Rolo, Amanda (Jeff) Draeger, Justin (Samantha) Haupt, and many great-nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Laurence and Florence; mother and father-in-law, Bob and Dorothy Haupt; grandparents, Roy and Nellie Day; grandparents-in-law, Walter and Elizabeth Haupt and John and Frances Zwirchitz; brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob Hanke, Lenny Adams, Bill Wright, Ken Karpf, Deb Haupt, Jeff Haupt and Robbi Haupt; one niece Colleen Hanke.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 Noon on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Burial will be in Evergreen Rest Cemetery, Elderon. Visitation will be Friday, from 10 AM until the time of service at the funeral home.

Memories and messages of support may be shared at schmidtschulta.com