John E. Day

John E. Day, age 72, lifelong resident of West Chicago, passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 25, 2023. He was born on January 13, 1951 in Geneva, IL to  Royal “Mike” and Jean (Gladding) Day. John was united in marriage on December 29, 1972 to Beverly Mott. He began working at his family’s gas station, Day’s Phillips 66, in West Chicago at a young age where he started to build his work ethic and service-based attitude.  John worked at International Harvester (Navistar) in West Chicago and retired after 30 years.  In the early 1970’s John became a volunteer firefighter for the West Chicago Fire Protection District where he served the community for over 30 years and built many lifelong relationships. He also worked for many years at Norris-Walen and Norris-Segert Funeral Home in West Chicago. He was a longtime member of West Chicago Church of Christ. John had many ventures which included his limo service Royal Ryde, which he operated along with his wife. He had many interests whether detailing or pin-striping a car or even driving someone to the airport. John was always willing to lend a helping hand to the community. After retirement John enjoyed driving the “General” fire engine for many West Chicago Railroad Day parades. No one will forget John’s laugh, sense of humor, and his famous saying, “Is that right? Hard to believe!!!!” He was one of a kind and will be greatly missed.  

John is survived by his wife of 50 years, Bev Day; sons, Mike Day (fiancé Melissa) and Jason (Missy) Day; grandchildren, Royal, Harper, David, and Josie; brother, Donald “Skip” (Linda) Day; father-in-law, Wendell Mott; nieces, nephews, relatives, and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Mike and Jean Day, mother-in-law, Margaret Mott, and niece, Kelly Day.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 3:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Norris-Segert Funeral Home & Cremation Services (one block north of Washington St. and Main), 132 Fremont St., West Chicago. Funeral service on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the funeral home. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers donations in John’s memory may be made to Shults-Lewis Child and Family Services, P.O. Box 471, Valparaiso, IN 46384 or Mission Lazarus, P.O. Box 306498, Nashville, TN 37236. For information 630-231-0060 or www.norrissegertfh.com