Gordon G. Davis

Gordon Gerald Davis, age 88, of Onalaska, passed away peacefully with his loving daughter by his side on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Mulder Health Care Facility in West Salem, just four days after celebrating his 88th birthday. He was born to Gerald and Margery (Wilson) Davis on August 21, 1938, in Richland Center, WI. In 1956, he met the love of his life, Sandra Lea Burrington, and they were later married on June 27, 1959. They lived in Richland Center for a year before moving to La Crosse in 1960. In 1969, the couple moved to Onalaska and have lived there ever since.

Growing up on a farm, Gordon started working at a young age, helping out his family with his father’s milk route. He then worked at a gas station in Richland Center, where he met Sandra for the first time. In 1957, he joined the Army Reserves and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, for his basic training. Distance made the heart grow stronger, and he proposed to Sandra before returning to his reserve unit in Richland Center. After their marriage, Gordon started working at Trane Company in La Crosse, where he became a gas welder for 42 years before retiring in 2002. Gordon also worked part-time at a gas station for a few short years to help support his family and help them purchase their current home in Onalaska.

After retiring from Trane Company, he enjoyed his outdoor passions of hunting and fishing. Some of Gordon’s most treasured memories were made outdoors with his son, who shared his love of hunting and fishing throughout the years. They spent countless days together in the woods and on the water, creating special memories that will be cherished forever. He shared that love with his growing family, passing on his fishing tips, his love of the Mississippi River, and his hunting knowledge to his daughter, son-in-law, daughter-in-law, grandsons, nieces, and nephews. Gordon also loved to camp, especially when he could spend that time with his siblings, nieces, nephews, and their families. For Gordon, these outdoor adventures were about more than hunting, fishing, and camping; they were about spending time with the people he loved. Known as Dad, Grandpa, Gpa, Uncle Dordy, and Umpa, he cherished spending precious time with his family, especially his grandkids and great-grandkids.

After the passing of his wife, Gordon amazed his family by remaining in his home with the help of outside caregivers. Although he had developed the early stages of dementia, Gordon remained the sweetest man, with a gentle spirit and wonderful sense of humor. His caregivers grew to love him, and that same love followed him to Mulder Health Care Facility, where the staff cared for him during his final months. Gordon had a way of brightening the days of those around him with his sweet personality and infectious giggle and smile. He could find humor in the simplest things, and his laughter was contagious. He truly didn’t have a care in the world and brought joy to those around him right up until the end.

In June, Gordon was diagnosed with stage 4 esophageal cancer that had already spread to his adrenal gland, bones, and liver. True to the man he had always been, he never complained and rarely let anyone know when something was wrong. He had a strength and toughness that carried him through life, and even in his final days, he remained peaceful and without complaint.

To his family, Gordon was so much more than a tough man. He was the best dad, grandpa, and friend they could have ever asked for. His family will forever cherish the memories, lessons, laughter, and love he gave them.

Gordon is survived by his children, Todd Davis and LeAnn (Jason) Dirks; grandkids, Nathan “Nate” (Amber) Davis and Jacob Dirks; great-grandkids, Talan Van Riper, Jaxson Davis, and Parker Davis; sister, Sandy (Steve) Welte; brothers-in-law, Bob Powell and Les Ladd; sister-in-law, Joan Burrington; and many nieces and nephews.

Gordon was preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; parents, Gerald and Margery; grandson, Christopher Davis; sisters, Veda Powell, Karron Cupp, and Donna Ladd; brothers, Rick Davis and Don Davis; brothers-in-law, John Cupp, Ron Burrington, and Ken Burrington; and sister-in-law, Janet Burrington.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation, 907 Sand Lake Road, Onalaska, WI 54650. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. Visitation will take place one hour prior to the time of the service. Burial will take place at Onalaska City Cemetery.