Michael Davis

Michael Jerome Davis, 77, of Chetek passed away on June 1, 2024, after a decade-long battle with COPD. Mike departed this life peacefully at home with his children by his side.

Mike was born October 30, 1946, in Rice Lake, WI., the son of Robert and Evelyn (Avery) Davis. As the oldest of eight children, Mike worked in the family garden and at Ma & Pa Davis Bait Shop, to help the family make a living.  In his little spare time, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and trapping with his father and brothers.  An avid athlete, Mike played many sports with his brothers and father including baseball, softball and wrestling.

Mike graduated from Chetek High School in 1964.  After high school he briefly attended UW-River Falls, he returned home and soon after enlisted in the US Army in May 1967.   While in the service Mike worked on electrical systems for the Nike-Hercules missile unit in Alaska, and was honorably discharged in May, 1970.  He started as manager of the Chetek Feed & Farm Supply in 1971 and was a permanent fixture there for the next 25+ years, developing many friendships with local farmers over the years. He then worked at Cenex Feed Mill until his retirement in 2011.

Mike married his first wife, Cindy Hardy, on October 18, 1971 welcoming three children, Corey, Tina and Todd.  Mike married Judy (Strong) Van Huda on December 18, 1993, at the United Methodist Church in Chetek. They were rarely apart and were blessed to recently celebrate their 30th wedding anniversary this past December. They found great joy in life’s simple pleasures: going for a drive, working in the yard, feeding and watching the birds, and jigsaw puzzles during the winter months. The couple also enjoyed meeting friends at Mary’s Café for breakfast.

Mike’s favorite pastime was bowling, where he could be found as many as four nights a week at Chetek Lanes, winning countless awards/trophies and creating lifelong friendships. He was also a member of the Chetek American Legion Auxiliary Post 179.

Mike found great pleasure in watching his children’s and grandchildren’s sporting and music events and was so excited for what each of them had planned for the future. While not able to travel in the last years, Mike was always interested in the activities and accomplishments of his seven grandchildren.

Michael is survived by his children Corey (Kara) Davis of Menomonie, Tina (Tom) Anderson of Hillsdale, Todd Davis of Chetek, seven grandchildren (Madison, McKinley, Carter and Harrison Davis and Brittny, Brianna and Tanner Saffert), five brothers, Rod Davis, of Barron, Bill (Ginny) Davis of Chetek, Stuart (Liz) Davis of Chetek, Scott (Deb) Davis of Chetek, Kevin (Patricia) Davis, of Woodward, OK, and sister Cara (Jerry) Atwood of Bruce and many nieces and nephews.

Mike was preceded in death by his wife Judy Davis, his parents, Robert (Bob) and Evelyn Davis; sister Kathy Hofstede; nephews Stephen Davis and Steven Hofstede; and brother-in-law, Lyle Strong.

A visitation will be held at the Chetek United Methodist Church on Friday, June 14, 2024 from 4-7 PM.  A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2024 at 11 AM with visitation one hour prior to the service at the Chetek United Methodist Church, followed by a light lunch.

Flowers may be sent to Michael J. Davis (1024 24th St., Chetek) and will be delivered to the church.  In lieu of monetary gifts, the family requests considering a donation to a charity in Mike’s name.

The family would like to thank the nurses from Saint Croix Hospice for the excellent care during the last several months. In addition, thank you to all those for their love, prayers and support during Mike’s final months.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family.  Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.