Joseph “Joe” T. Religa, 90, of Brookville, passed away on January 26, 2026, at his home.
He was born on February 27, 1935, in Chicago, IL, to Agatha (Miszczak) and Michael Religa. He attended Hinsdale High School in Chicago and later earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and Hydrology from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota.
In 1957, he entered the U.S. Air Force, where he served for four years. While stationed at Schilling Air Force Base, he met Kay Catherine Connor of WaKeeney, KS. They were married on February 7, 1959, beginning a lifelong partnership.
His career spanned many years of dedicated work, including service as a Geological Technician with the U.S. Geological Survey in Salina, KS, where he regularly measured Ogallala Aquifer levels across western Kansas. He also contributed to the Atlas Missile project with General Dynamics and later served as a Civil Engineering Technician with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Kanopolis Lake, retiring in 1991.
Joe loved hunting, fixing things, and fishing with Kay. One could say they were professional fishermen back when it was just called “going fishing.” Joe never met a stranger, striking up conversations with whoever, wherever.
Survivors include his wife, Kay, of the home; sister, Mary (Jim) Allbaugh of Shawano, WI; daughter, Julie (Chip) Lushbough of Blue Springs, MO; son, Mark Religa of Goessel, KS; son, Kevin Religa of Manhattan, KS; and grandchildren, Bryan (Abbey) Lushbough, Madison Lushbough, Brandon Religa, Hannah Religa, and Lane Religa. He was preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Ann (Mark) Religa, and his brother, Michael Religa.
The family would like to thank the staff at Salina Fresenius Kidney Care, Saline County EMS, and Lieutenant Rick Heinrich and Deputy Patrick Giersch of the Saline County Sheriff’s Department for their care and compassion.
Services will be held at 10:30 am Saturday January 31, 2026, at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Brookville. Burial will be in the Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Brookville. Vigil services will be held at 6:00 pm on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Ryan Mortuary, 137 North Eighth, Salina. The family will receive friends from 5 until the hour of the Vigil and friends may call from 4 until 8:00 pm that evening.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Mount Calvary Cemetery, Brookville.
For more information or to leave condolences go to www.ryanmortuary.com