Joseph Davis (1931-2021)

DAVIS, LANA, KINLEY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 2/17/2021 at 09:48:24

Joseph "Joe" Davis, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Sunday, Feb. 14, 2021, at the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha, Iowa. Private family services will be held (invitation only). All invited guests are respectfully requested to wear a mask and practice social distancing. A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date when family and friends can gather safely to raise a glass and share stories for a proper Irish send off. Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids is assisting the family.
Joe was born Dec. 27, 1931, in Fairfax, Iowa, the son of Claire and Georgette (Lana) Davis. He served in the U.S.s Air Force from 1950 to 1954 during the Korean conflict. Joe was united in marriage to Josephine Kuncl on July 4, 1953. She passed away in 1980. On Oct. 2, 1982, Joe was united in marriage to Mary "Josie" Kinley. Joe worked for Square D Co. for 33 years before his retirement in 1988. Joe was a member of St. John Catholic Church, SaPaDaPaSo, Swisher American Legion Post No. 671, VFW Post No. 788, Moose Club, Knights of Columbus 3rd and 4th Degree and Junior Achievement. Joe had a life of community service. He was a hard worker, talented craftsman, problem solver and mentor. Joe was extremely proud of his Irish heritage and was involved with the St. Patrick's Day parade for the past 41 years as a participant, deputy parade marshal and president of SaPaDaPaSo in 1995. Joe was a committee chairman and supporter of the St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival for several years. He was an active member of the Sandy Beach Camping Club. He enjoyed traveling, cookouts, card games, campfires, pulling pranks and cold beverages. Joe enjoyed golfing daily in his earlier years, gardening and cultivating roses. He loved spending time and holidays with his family, watching his legacy expand. In 2016, Joe traveled on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. It was a trip of a lifetime. He was extremely proud to be an Air Force veteran. Joe's Catholic faith was strong. He knew, loved and served the Lord.
Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Mary "Josie" Davis of Cedar Rapids; children, Diane (Dennis) Taylor, Debbie (Steve) Mitchell, Donna Burkle, Doreen (Pat) O'Malley, Tammy (Freddie) Maneely and Billie Jo (Jeremy) Konicek; daughter-in-law, Vicky Hill; 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, Robert (Sally) Davis; sister, Rose Davis; sister-in-law, Jennie Davis; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Claire and Georgette Davis; brothers, Ronald Davis, Lawrence (Larry) Davis and Father Augustine Davis O.S.B.; and son, Scott Hill.
Memorials may be directed to the family who will disperse to Joe's favorite organizations.
The family would like to thank the Dennis & Donna Oldorf Hospice House for their loving compassion.
Please share a memory of Joseph at www.murdochfuneralhome.com under obituaries.