Joseph “Joe” V. Porting

Joseph “Joe” V. Porting, age 62, of Axtell, Kansas, and formerly of Topeka, Kansas, died September 24, 2026, at The House at Midland in Topeka.

Visitation was Sunday, September 27, from 4 to 6 p.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Axtell, followed by a rosary service at 6 p.m. led by Father Jim Shaughnessy.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held at 9:30 a.m., Monday, September 28, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Father Mathew Francis officiated. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The pallbearers were Michael Eisenbarth, Nathan Eisenbarth, Thomas Eisenbarth, Blake Porting, Derek Porting, and Evan Schmitz.

The honorary pallbearers were Doug Heinen, Keith Koch, Kent Kuckleman, Chuck Porting, and Ed Porting.

Joe was born September 18, 1964, in Axtell, Kansas, to John and JoAnn (Koch) Porting. After graduating from Axtell High School, he played football at Dodge City Community College and later at Emporia State University.

From 1993 to 2009, Joe worked in Infant and Toddler Services for the State of Kansas. He helped establish early intervention services for children from birth to age three and expand the program statewide. He was also a founding member of Kansas’s Assistive Technology Program. Later, Joe returned to Axtell and made his home on the family farm, where he enjoyed running the grain cart during harvest.

Joe enjoyed playing and watching sports, but especially enjoyed following his daughter, Peyton, during her high school tennis career. He also enjoyed a good game of euchre and telling stories—whether they were true or not!

Joe was a member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.

Survivors include his daughter, Peyton (Ryan) Macfarlane of Lenexa, Kansas; mother, JoAnn Porting of Axtell; and siblings, Jeff (Kris) Porting, Judy (Dan) Dowell, Jeanne Eisenbarth, Janet (Bryan) Schmitz and Jeanette (Jesse) Eisenbarth.

He was preceded in death by his son, Brett Porting; and father, John Porting.

A memorial fund has been established and will be designated later. Contributions may be sent in care of Axtell-Landreth Funeral Home, c/o Kinsley Mortuary, P.O. Box 147, Marysville, KS 66508.