Eugene Francis Davis, 75

NEW HAMPTON - Eugene Francis Davis, 75, New Hampton, died Sunday, June 25 at Mercy Medical Center-New Hampton of cancer.

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 29 at Trinity Lutheran Church in New Hampton, with Rev. David Bergstrom officiating. Edith Kolthoff was organist. Soloists were Joyce Shatek and Richard Leichtman, singing "Prayer of St. Francis" and "The Lord's Prayer", respectively The congregation sang "Children of the Heavenly Father" and the recessional was the "Battle Hymn of the Republic."

Interment was in the New Hampton Cemetery with military rites conducted by the New Hampton American Legion and VFW units. Casket bearers were Lester Shatek, Roger Nosbisch, Bob Jurgensen, Kenneth Showers, Carol Mahoney and Jim Stapleton.

Honorary casket bearers were Bill Rusk, Bob Dee, Paul Hoffman, Arnold Kowalsky, Harlan Pose, Bill Praska, John Schnurr, Garry Snyder, Rev. Edward Fritschel and Matt Andersen.

Visitation was Wednesday, June 28 at Conway Funeral Home in New Hampton and also an hour prior to services at the church.

Eugene Francis Davis was born Dec. 11, 1924 at Spring-field, MO, the son of Andrew Jackson Davis and Bridgie A. (Jackson) Davis Honts. He moved with his mother and stepfather to New Hampton as a young child. Gene was a 1943 graduate of New Hampton High School and on Oct. 21, 1943, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in the Pacific Theatre during World War II and was discharged on April 20,1946.

On June 2, 1947, he was united in marriage with Lucile M. Hartmann at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in New Hampton. He was a communicant member of Trinity Lutheran Church and was confirmed at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, New Hampton, in 1947. Gene was a city letter carrier for 33 years, retiring from the U.S. Postal Service on May 30, 1980. He then served as Chickasaw County Veteran's Affairs Officer for 12 years, retiring from that position June 30, 1996. Gene and his wife, Luci established the annual Davis Motorcycle Rally in 1979. He was an avid athlete in his youth and also enjoyed hunting, fishing and gardening. Gene was a member of the American Legion Fae Stine Post #38.

Surviving are his wife, Lucile (Luci), New Hampton; one daughter, Jannette (John) Hendricks, Aurora, CO; one son, Gordon (Bev), Sumner; son-in-law, Michael Kobliska, New Hampton; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister, Lola Mae Hooper, Mira Loma, CA; one sister-in-law, Jean (Gariss) Davis, Lamar, MO.

Preceding him in death were a daughter, LaVonne M. Kobliska on Dec. 20, 1991; his father on Aug. 20, 1957; his mother on Jan. 20, 1972; stepfather, Charles JL Honts on Dec. 4 1972: brother, William.W. Davis on Dec 19, 1991.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

Source: New Hampton Tribune June 30, 2000
from Elma library collection assembled by Marian (Marr) McGee