Jerry Davis

Jerry E. Davis, age 85 of Darlington, passed away Saturday, June 14, 2025 at SSM Health Monroe Hospice Home with his family by his side.  He was born on July 29, 1939 in Monroe, Wisconsin, the son of Harold and Fola (Parkinson) Davis.  Jerry grew up on the family farm in Fayette Township before moving to Darlington in 1963, where he resided the rest of his life.  He attended Cook School in Fayette Township for grade school, and then graduated from Darlington High School in 1957.  Jerry’s favorite subject in high school was history, and that was reflected in his whole life.  Ask him a history question from many years ago (even before his time), and he would know the answer.  He also knew his ancestors, some whom he had never met.  He would tell his children about them, as they grew up, so they would know about their heritage.  Jerry worked on the family farm and drove truck for his dad’s trucking business. In 1967, he started working for Al’s Trucking in Darlington, where he plowed snow, drove dump trucks and drove school bus for the Darlington School District.  In 2014, Lamers Bus Line bought out Al’s Trucking.  He continued working for Lamers driving school bus.   He loved his job in transporting children safely to and from school.  He retired in 2020 after driving school bus for 53 years.

He married Karen “Lovey” Staver on July 15, 1961 at the Darlington United Methodist Church.  She passed away on January 28, 2002.  He later married Dixie Neff on June 14, 2014 at the Fayette United Methodist Church.

Jerry enjoyed spending time with his family and friends at “The Forty Acres” and watching his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.  He loved going for rides on his John Deere Gator with his wife.  He was an avid Brewers, Packers, Badgers, Bucks, and, of course, a Darlington Redbirds fan.  He particularly liked the Brewers and could recall facts from the beginning of baseball.  He also enjoyed going camping with family and relaxing and enjoying the outdoors.

Jerry is survived by his wife, his children:  Tammy Reichling of Darlington, Tommy (Julie) Davis of Juda, WI, Jason (Justin) Davis of Darlington, Julie (Tommy) Davis of Juda, WI, Cory Neff of South Wayne, WI, Angie (Tim ) Kainz of Brodhead, WI, his grandchildren, Jessica (Roger Burbach) Reichling. Shane (Francie) Reichling, Brianna Meudt, Caitlyn (Jacob Smith) Davis, Kelsie Toay, Dakota Davis, Ciarrah Davis, Masyn Neff, Michael Neff, Meridyth Neff, Kambrya Kainz, Jaelyn Kainz, Stephan Burbach, and 7 great grandchildren.  He is further survived by his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Elton and Sandra Olson, his sister-in-law, Cheryl Staver, his brother-in-law, Robert McCarten, his sister-in-law, Rita (Davis) Moore and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his 1st wife, Karen “Lovey” Davis, a sister: Peggy Davis, a brother: Dean Davis, his parents, his grandparents, son-in-law, Mike Reichling, brother-in-law, Steve Staver, sister-in-law, JoAnn McCarten, sister-in-law, Shirley Orr, sister-in-law, Mary Lou Murray, sister-in-law, Inez Davis, and a son by remarriage, Bradley Neff.

Jerry was a lifetime member of the Fayette United Methodist Church in rural Darlington, where he served on the Board of Directors in several capacities.

We have been blessed to have known him and to have been a part of his life.  He was a great husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend to all who knew him.  He will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends.

Memories are forever, Davis Strong!!

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 at 11:30 AM at the Fayette United Methodist Church with Pastor InSun Lee officiating.  A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 10:00 AM until the time of the service at Fayette United Methodist Church.   Burial will be in Union Grove Cemetery. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is serving the family.  Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fayette United Methodist Church.

Jerry's family kindly requests that anyone in attendance wears casual Milwaukee Brewers attire.