Jerry Duane Davis

Jerry Davis, 81, of Winter Haven, FL passed away peacefully on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at Good Shepherd Hospice in Auburndale, FL.

Jerry was born in Mason City, IA on April 27, 1944, to Alfred and Irma (Palmer) Davis. Jerry attended John Marshall High School in Rochester, Minnesota before enlisting and proudly serving in the US Navy as a third-class boiler engineer aboard the USS Semmes DG18-a guided missile destroyer from 1962-1965. Jerry was also an active member in the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

On June 8, 1963, Jerry married Patricia Davis in Rochester, Minnesota. Following Jerry's military service, they returned to Minnesota and eventually settled in the small community of Sherburn, where they raised their family. During this time Jerry worked at Interstate Power Company as a boiler engineer for 15 years. His next career took him to Lake St. Croix Beach, MN where he worked as Chief Engineer for 12 years at the Minnesota Correctional Facility in Stillwater. Jerry completed his career as the Maintenance Supervisor at New Richmond, WI School District.

Throughout his life, Jerry was passionate about the great outdoors. He enjoyed hunting, camping, and hiking, but most of all, Jerry loved to fish. It was his love for fishing that was a defining part of who he was. He found joy in nature's beauty and always found peace on the water. Jerry participated in fishing clubs and competed in local, state, and national fishing tournaments. His love for fishing was something he shared with friends and family, leaving a mark on us that will never fade.

Upon retirement, Jerry and Pat relocated to Balsam Lake, WI where they continued to fish for fun and competitions. After a few years, they relocated to Phoenix, AZ to enjoy the warmer weather. In Phoenix, they enjoyed hiking in the mountains, square dancing, and playing cards with friends. As much as they loved retirement in Arizona, Jerry missed the lake fishing. Jerry's last move was to Winter Haven, FL which boasts a chain of lakes and exceptionally large bass. A dream come true for Jerry.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia Davis; their children Gerri Ann (Fred) Argir, Jeff (Melodee) Davis, and John Davis. He is also survived by his grandchildren Alexis and Michael Robole, Brittany and Crystal Davis, Jamie (Mike) Mitchell, Sierra (Eric) Oestreich, and Braeden Davis; great-grandchildren Vinny, Davis, and Milloni Barbato, Amiya and Ariana Betzer, Jacob Mitchell, and Jack Holland; brother Harvey Seidel; sister Micki Cove; sister-in-law Sandra (Dan) Schwering; brother-in-law Scott Strain; along with several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Alfred and Irma Davis; brothers Larry and Rick Davis; father and mother-in-law's, Lloyd and Arlene Strain; brothers-in-law Dalmer (Marilyn) Strain and Burdene (Vera) Strain.

Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Good Shepherd Hospice, Auburndale, FL for their compassionate care and kindness during Jerry's final stages of life.

A graveside memorial at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN is planned for summer 2026. Details will be announced upon finalization.