Joe Samuel Kanagy was born April 23, 1930, in rural Bellefontaine, Ohio, the son of Levi G. and Leona M. (Detweiler) Kanagy. He graduated from Zanesfield High School in Ohio, then attended Hesston College for three years. Joe was united in marriage to Barbara Elizabeth Marner Oct. 23, 1953, at West Union Mennonite Church in rural Parnell, Iowa. The couple lived in Nebraska for two years before moving to Wellman in 1955. Joe worked for Home Gas in Wellman for 39.5 years before retiring in 1996, after retirement Joe worked a few part time jobs. Joe was a member of the West Union Mennonite Church, where he taught Sunday school, served as a trustee and was a member of the church council. Joe also helped with MDS projects and spent many hours volunteering at Crowded Closet. Joe loved spending time outdoors in his amazing vegetable garden, raising goats, and feeding the birds. His greatest joy was time spent with friends and family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He dedicated his life to serving others even if that meant putting the needs of others before his own. Joe went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024, surrounded by his family, at Pleasantview Home in Kalona at the age of 94.
Joe is survived by his wife Elizabeth; children: John D. Kanagy of Union, Missouri, Robert J. (Anita) Kanagy of Wellman, JoAnna E. (Randy) Bird of Hamilton, Illinois, James Kanagy of Parnell, Charles L. (Judy) Kanagy of Colorado Springs, Colorado, Ruth K. (Mark) Dorr of West Des Moines, and Steven L. (Lisa) Kanagy of Grundy Center; 13grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents; daughter-in-law: Kathy Kanagy; two sisters: Janice (Earl) Spitzer and Lois (Walter) Fenton; and a brother: Paul (Luella) Kanagy.
A celebration of life service will be 10:30 a.m., Friday, Sept. 20, 2024, at Yoder Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. John David Kenny will be officiating. Burial will be a West Union Cemetery. Visitation will be from 4-7 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, at Yoder Powell Funeral Home in Kalona. A memorial fund has been established for West Union Mennonite Church and Mennonite Central Committee. The service will be livestreamed at Powell Funeral Homes Facebook page. Messages may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com. Yoder Powell Funeral Home in Kalona is caring for Joe and his family.
