Russell Davis, 83, of McGregor, Iowa passed away Sunday, August 25, 2019 at the Guttenberg Care Center, Guttenberg, Iowa. Russ, a loving husband and father, was born in Cambridge, Ohio on January 19, 1936 to Raymond and Hazel (Phillips) Davis. Childhood years were spent in Warren, Ohio and was a High School graduate of Leavittsburg, Ohio. Russ was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Cold War Era and due to the Viet Nam War his service was extended.
While stationed in Germany, Russ met his wife, Iowa native, Lois Klotzbach, he a patient, she a civilian nurse at the 10th Field United States Army Hospital and they married February 14, 1962. Working years were chiefly in the Minneapolis area where they raised three sons. Other than busy involvement with school and sporting activities, family vacations were often tent camping in Minnesota Boundry Waters, canoeing, fishing, swimming, with occasional bear invasions of campsites.
Russ’ persona was definitely cheerful, upbeat, friendly, and a talent for impromptu wit. He was drawn to little kids and always tuned-in to youth, enjoying and interacting with them beautifully. He spent many volunteer hours coaching their community sports teams, chiefly basketball, even after his own sons were out of High School. In season, deer hunting with family and friends was enjoyed.
Upon retirement in 2000, they moved back to rural Iowa, the last Home (of 5) designed and built by his in-law parents.
He is survived by his wife, Lois Davis; three sons, Mark (Cindy) Davis of Minneapolis, Robert (Mary) Davis of Rural McGregor, Iowa and Timothy (Carrie) Davis of Minneapolis; six grandchildren, Nikki, Ben, Carl, Rachel, Samantha and Josh, all Davis’. Preceding Russell in death were his parents, Raymond and Hazel Davis; one brother, Raymond Jr. Davis; and in-law parents, Robert and Esther Klotzbach.
Visitation will be held from 4-7 pm on Friday, September 27, 2019 at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of McGregor, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Saturday.
Funeral Service will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at First Lutheran Church (Swede Ridge-Rural McGregor, Iowa with Rev. Gary Hatcher as the officiant.
Burial will follow at The Little Norwegian Cemetery, McGregor, Iowa.
In lieu of flowers, family prefers memorials directed to choice of charities/organizations or First Lutheran Church.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in McGregor, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.