Michael L. Day, 59, of rural Adel passed away peacefully March 1, 2022, at the EveryStep Kavanagh House surrounded by Lisa and his brother, Adam, after a battle with lung and brain cancer.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 5 at 4 p.m. at the Carris Family Funeral Home and Cremation Care in Perry. Visitation will be Friday, March 4 from 2-7 p.m., with family present from 5-7 p.m. at the funeral home. You are encouraged to wear your favorite NASCAR or classic car apparel or drive your classic car to the visitation and funeral.
Mike was born Nov. 28, 1962, in Story City, Iowa.
He graduated from Dallas Center Grimes High School in 1981.
Mike worked in the heating and cooling industry for 24 years.
Mike enjoyed classic cars and taking his pride and joy, a 1966 Chevy pickup, to local car shows with his buddies. He was also proud of his 1971 Chevy Wrecker (Rat Wrecker), which belonged to his Grandpa Imlay, a 1986 Chevy IROC-Z28 Camaro (Red Dog Z) and a 1967 Chevy Camaro (his dad’s car).
He enjoyed riding his snowmobile and taking annual snowmobiling trips to Colorado and Wyoming.
If it had a motor and went fast, Mike would be on it.
He spent a lot of time tinkering in his man cave, drinking a beer and shining his vehicles and toys.
Mike was known for his quick wit, sense of humor and having a good time.
He and Lisa enjoyed an annual NASCAR weekend in Michigan for 17 years.
Mike is survived by his partner of 32 years, Lisa Sheehy; mother, Judith Tichenor of Bowling Green, Kentucky; brother, Adam (Natasha) Day of Beaver Dam, Kentucky; sister, Lynne Day of Colorado Springs, Colorado; uncle, Ron Imlay of Jewell, Iowa; nephew, Nicholas (Kristen) Day of Tucson, Arizona; and a host of friends. Mike never met a stranger.
He was preceded in death by his father, Charles “Larry” Day; and grandparents, Robert and Byrdie Imlay and Charles Ernest and Bess Alice Day.
The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at John Stoddard Cancer Center, Mission Cancer + Blood, Unity Point Powell 3 and Kavanagh House for their care and words of comfort. You will forever hold a special place in our hearts.
“When in doubt, just gas it.”
Memorials will be given to John Stoddard Cancer Center Compassion Fund, 1221 Pleasant St., Suite 450, Des Moines, IA 50309 or may be left at the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.carrisfuneralhome.com.
