Ethan Michael Davies

Ethan Michael Davies, 4, of Lino Lakes, Minn., passed away peacefully at home in the loving arms of his mother and father on March 14, 2013.

Ethan was born on May 13th, 2008, and he was two years, nine months old when he first showed signs of Batten Disease.

Ethan, who was loved deeply by family, friends, and caregivers, has touched the lives of many and taught many lessons. Ethan lived for the moment, even in the face of adversity, and always found joy in the "simple things" while sharing his infectious laugh.

Ethan often woke in the morning with a smile on his face. He lived for the outdoors, asking to go outside before even stepping out of bed. He saw beauty in waterfalls and his beloved moon in the sky. Frequent trips to the playground were a must. Even the shortest car ride was an adventure for Ethan, and he had an eye for spotting diggers anywhere he traveled. Seeing animals always brought Ethan joy, and he was most excited about anything related to pigs. Ethan loved Disney Pixar movies and loved all things related to Cars, Toy Story and Finding Nemo.

At any given time, Ethan was often found to have at least two or three temporary tattoos, band-aids or stickers with Pixar characters displayed proudly on his hands and arms. Ethan kept many little treasures close in hand, and balls were the most highly prized items. Ethan enjoyed listening to stories and had a special place in his heart for Dr. Seuss and Eric Carle books.

He danced and listened to music on a daily basis, and he insisted that anyone in the room be up and dancing along with him, especially if a Wiggles or Laurie Berkner song was playing. No matter what time of day, he was always up for a game of "get me" chase games. Santa Claus and anything Christmas were near the top of Ethan's favorites list, year round. Ethan looked forward to spending time with his best friends at Lori Peickert's day care and his classmates and teachers at Centennial Early Childhood.

He had a special place in his heart for his loving and compassionate caregivers Lori, Tim and Becky. Above all, more than anything, Ethan loved being a big brother to Mason and Maya.

Ethan will be dearly missed by: his parents, Elijah and Kristine Davies of Lino Lakes, Minn.; his brother and sister, Mason and Maya; his grandmothers, Jean Durch of Chippewa Falls and Patricia Wasson Stark of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; grandfather, Lon Davies of Shawnee Mission, Kan.; great-grandmothers, Marjorie Wasson of Linden, Iowa, Margaret Durch of Chippewa Falls and Frances Davies of Panora, Iowa, who passed away March 15, 2013; uncles and aunts, Matthew and Sara Durch of Lakeville, Minn., Joshua Davies of Fridley, Minn., Caleb and Ketty Davies of Blaine, Minn., Marvin and Jessica Lopez of Brooklyn Park, Minn.; and cousins, Maggie, Natalie, Eliana, Jonathan, Joseph, Ariella, and Gabriel; and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Michael Durch.

A closed-casket visitation will be on Thursday, March 21, from 3-5 p.m. at St. Joseph of the Lakes Catholic Church, 171 Elm St., Lino Lakes, Minn., and the funeral service will follow at 5 p.m.

Children are welcome as we truly hope this will be a joy-filled occasion, despite our sadness. A memory chest will be present for any loved ones to place a special token, drawing, or picture. A dinner with Ethan's favorites - pizza and chocolate chip cookies - will be served immediately following the service.

A burial service will be held at Hope Cemetery in Chippewa Falls on Saturday, March 23, at 10:30 a.m., where Ethan will be placed near his Grandpa Mike.

In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Make-A-Wish Foundation in remembrance of Ethan or to the Ethan Davies Memorial Fund at TCF Bank, 331 Hwy 10 NE Blaine, Minn. 55434.

Horan Funeral Home, Chippewa Falls, is assisting the family with local arrangements.

Ethan Michael Davies