Joseph J. Lies

Joseph J. Lies. At age 46, his valiant battle against cancer ended on June 15, 2016, and he went home to his Savior. He died at 6:15 p.m., in the presence of his family. As a final Grace from God, a thunderstorm moved into the city; they always loved watching thunderstorms together. Rosary, 8 p.m., Friday, June 17; Funeral, 10 a.m., Saturday, June 18, both at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church in Wichita. Joe was born on August 22, 1969, the only child of Jay and Jan Lies of Wichita. He attended Kapaun-Mt. Carmel High School and graduated from Kansas University in 1992 with a degree in photojournalism. This degree led to a career as a graphic artist working for several companies, with the past 12 years at Docuplex Printing. In 1994, he married the love his life, Linda Purcell, who survives him along with their three children, Melissa, William and Nathan, all of the home. He is predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Arthur and Isabel Schuetz, and his paternal grandparents, Albert and Mary Lies. Like his namesake Joseph from the New Testament, Joseph Lies was a good man who was dedicated to his wife and family. He was an outstanding dad and nurtured the interests of all of his children, from art to computers to woodworking. Joe was the soul of service and responsibility and served in leadership positions for years in the Boy Scouts and belonged to the Knights of Columbus. For over ten years, he never hesitated to help the St. Anthony Parish staff on his own time when advice was needed on various graphic projects. This same generosity was extended to other graphic designers who often consulted with him on some of their difficult projects. His calm, unassuming ways masked his silent, granite perseverance, and this was never more evident than in his extended five and one-half-year battle with cancer. For those who knew him and his health struggles, he was their hero. Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, caring, faith, compassion and stewardship, and he achieved more in his few decades than many twice his age. He will be profoundly missed, but we know we will see him again. Downing & Lahey Mortuary West.