Duane "Butch" Davis

Duane "Butch" Joseph Davis was born April 23, 1932 at home in rural Wadena to Everett and Saraphine (Winkels) Davis. He completed his journey to the Lord on April 23, 2015 at the age of 83. He passed away at his home in Verndale surrounded by his loving wife and children and under the gentle care of Legacy Hospice of Wadena. Butch graduated from Verndale High School in 1950. This was preceded by enlisting in the National Guard on November 28, 1949. He married Joan Darlene Harrsion on September 6, 1950. He went into active duty September 19, 1950 and was discharged from the Army June 3, 1952 after serving in the Korean Conflict where he earned the Combat Infantryman’s Badge. He was reassigned to the National Guard at that time. He retired from the Guards on April 30, 1972 with the rank of major. He served as Postmaster in Verndale from 1956-1992. He was a member of the Verndale Fire Department for 35 years. He served as Fire Chief from 1972-1990. He was instrumental in building the First Responder program and bringing the Jaws of Life to Verndale. He was an active member of the Elks, Lions and American Legion. He sold real estate after retiring from the post office and farmed from 1969-1981. Butch loved having his family around. He and Joan raised eight children. They owned cabins on Big Pine, Rush and Round Lake, where swimming, learning to water ski, barbeques and stories by the fire were enjoyed by everyone. Butch started the 4th of July boat parade on Round Lake. The family has enjoyed many 4th of July celebrations together. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hugs from his angels, playing cards, fishing, telling jokes and stories. Butch was preceded in death by his father Everett and mother Saraphine; sisters Donna Mlazgar, Antoinette Corrigan and Eileen Morrison; brother-in-law Alfred Provo and John Mlazgar; infant children Peter and Mary. He is survived by his wife Joan; daughters Sharon (Larry) Brincefield of Wadena, Debra (Steven) Erickson of Verndale, Pamela (Keith) Schmidt of Sebeka, and DeAnna (Sherrod) Russell of Brooklyn Park; sons Charles (Lorinda) Davis of Verndale, Terrance (Kathie) Davis of Ottertail, James Davis of Golden Valley, and Chad (Cindy) Davis of Brainerd; brothers John, Jerry, Ronnie, and Steve; and sisters Pat Provo, Carol Nordstrom and Beth Colby. He is also survived by 31 grandchildren and 27 great-grandchildren. Services will be held Tuesday, April 28, 2015, 11am at St Ann’s Catholic Church in Wadena. Visitation will be at St Frederick’s Catholic Church in Verndale on Monday April 29, 2015 from 4-7pm. Pallbearers are members of the Verndale Fire Department; Mike Madsen, Chuck Goddard, Louis Wegscheid, Steve Schmitz, John Rousslang, Ryan Sundby, Nathan Witthuhn, Wayne Stave and Dan Fisher. Honorary pallbearers are all current and retired members of the Verndale Fire Department. Military honors will be provided by MNARNG Honor Guard and the Patriot Guard. Burial will be in St. Frederick's Catholic Cemetery in Verndale, MN.

Duane "Butch" Davis

April 23, 1932 - April 23, 2015