Erwin L. Davis

Erwin (Larry) Lawrence Davis, age 71, of Iola, passed away on Sunday, November 19, 2023. He was born July 21, 1952, in Minneapolis, Minnesota to Erwin Lloyd and Patricia (Ervin) Davis.

Due to his father being a military Educational Coordinator, Larry traveled to several countries in Europe from 1958-1961. Larry had fond memories of living in Germany and traveling throughout Europe with his parents and three sisters.

In 1961, his family returned to the U.S. where his father accepted the position of Superintendent of Schools in Genesee County in Flint, Michigan.

Larry often reminisced of his summers spent fishing and hunting at his family's cottage in Lewiston, Michigan.

He graduated from Southwestern High School, Flint, Michigan in 1970.

Larry was a Vietnam War era Veteran and served in the U.S. Army from 1972-1974 including a tour in Germany.

In 1982, Larry married Joanne (White) at her family home in Grand Blanc.

In 1983, Larry was working at Flint's Bishop Airport for Midstate Airlines when Larry and Joanne transferred to Stevens Point, Wisconsin where he was asked to take over the freight/cargo department for the Sentry Insurance owned airlines. When the Airlines sold, Larry became a Certified Radio Marketing Consultant for radio-TV. He also was an ambassador for the Portage County Business Council.

In 1992, the Davis family opened their Adult Family Home helping many disabled adults over the years.

Larry was blessed to be able to live our his dream raising his two children and rebuilding a 40-acre hobby farm where he set up his first deer camp.

In 2009, Larry moved his family to Iola to pursue their passion for lakeside living. He was also fortunate to purchase another 40 acres of land where he set up his family's generational deer camp in Pine Grove with his son, Clay.

Larry loved being a husband and father. He created many great memories spending time with his two children and six grandchildren.

He loved music, cooking, fishing, hunting, following politics, and the occasional road trip with Joanne. He was also known to face life with a great sense of humor.

Larry is survived by his wife, Joanne; son, Erwin "Clay" (Amanda) Davis of Fox Crossing; daughter, Lydia (Sean) Higgins of Iola; grandchildren: Aiden and Emma Davis, Mason, Logan, Lauryn and Loretta Higgins; sisters: Peggy (Toby) Millard and Nancy (Denny) Walters. He is further survived by many nieces and nephews.

A private family memorial is planned with burial at Iola Riverside Cemetery.

Dahlke Funeral & Cremation Care is assisting the family with all arrangements.