John Jay Ankerholz, 88, passed away December 18, 2020, at Hospice House, Hutchinson.  He was born August 23, 1932, in Plevna, to John Otto and Flossie Mae (Baker) Ankerholz.

Jay was a 1950 graduate of Nickerson Rural High School.  He worked as the warehouse manager at Montgomery Ward, Hutchinson, retiring with more than 28 years of service.  After retiring from Montgomery Ward, Jay went to work at Doskocil Food Service Company, South Hutchinson.  He was an antique and a depression glass collector and dealer.  Jay was a member of the South Hutchinson United Methodist Church.

On May 18, 1952, he married Doris Jean Risley, in Nickerson.  They shared over 57 years of marriage, prior to her death on October 4, 2009.

Jay is survived by:  his children, Debbie (Larry) Smith of Protection, Steve (Teresa) Ankerholz of Lyons, and Kelli (Dan) Petz of South Hutchinson;  grandchildren, Jared Petz, Ben (Rachel) Ankerholz, Jesse (Andrea) Ankerholz, Jena Woods, J.D. (Shannon) Smith, Ty (Jessica) Smith; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by:  his parents; wife; and two sisters.

Public funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, December 28, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary, with Pastor Steve Gill officiating.

Click here to watch the funeral service for Jay Ankerholz

Private burial will be held at Memorial Park Cemetery, Hutchinson.  Friends may call from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, December 26, 2020, and from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2020, at Elliott Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to South Hutchinson United Methodist Church, in care of Elliott Mortuary and Crematory, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.