Paula (Apka) Day, age 79, Lake City, MN, passed away with family by her side on May 1st 2024, after a short and fierce battle with cancer. She could not wait to see the face of the Lord and live with Him in heaven.
Paula Apka was born December 24, 1944, to Paul and Beverly Apka. Shortly after high school she married Larry Spear, and was later divorced. From that union she was blessed with a son Jeff Spear and a daughter Jody Spear. In 1967 she married Darroll Day. They were married 55 years and were blessed with a two daughters, Shannon and Brooke.
Paula worked hard in her life, whether it be basketball in school or any other task she had at hand. She was employed over her lifetime at Winnebago Industries, Gerring Industries and Valley Craft in Lake City. She did the job, no matter how difficult. Her hands proved she was not one to sit back and let the men do the job.
Paula also played hard. She loved to fish for hours on the Mississippi and Lake Pepin. Her garden was her pride and joy. She enjoyed knitting, dancing and partied with the best of them. Her cooking was so good. She lived life to the fullest. You always knew where you stood. No guessing with her. Comments from friends such as “Oh sweet mama Day, you made a greater impact than you realize”, says it all.
Her family was her greatest treasure. She was so proud of her children and grandchildren and loved to spend time with them. When the swimming pool went up in the yard, she could not wait for the family time. She loved her dogs, currently Popeye.
Paula is survived by her daughter, Brooke (Jarod) Barton, grandchildren Brooklyn, Baya and Brantley Barton, Lake City, MN, son Jeff (Tracy) Spear, Hampton, IA, grandchildren Hope and Sam, daughter Jody (Kelly) Spear, Manly, IA, grandson Jedidiah Orsini (Shannon’s son), eight siblings, Sandy Johnston, Woodbury, MN, Sharon Schroeder, Mt. Vernon, IN, Tom Apka, Evansville, IN, April (Duane) Schumann, Stewartville, MN, Kathy Engelby, Sioux City, IA, Kandy Blondin, Elmore, MN, RaeLynn Richey, Milford, IA, Jerry Herzog, Golden Valley, MN, many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husband Darroll Day, her daughter Shannon Austin and grandson son, Jeremiah Orsini.
Aunt Paula sure loved the outdoors. Her family will miss her on earth until they join her in paradise with Jesus. We are praying for all who mourn her.