Joseph 'Joe' Davis

December 27, 1931 - February 14, 2021

Joseph “Joe” Davis, 89, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, died Sunday, February 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 on December 27, 1931, in Fairfax, Iowa, the son of Claire and Georgette (Lana) Davis. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950-1954 during the Korean Conflict. Joe was united in marriage to Josephine Kuncl on July 4, 1953; she passed away in 1980. On October 2, 1982, Joe was united in marriage to Mary “Josie” Kinley. Joe worked for Square D Company for 33 years before his retirement in 1988. Joe was a member of Saint John Catholic Church, SaPaDaPaSo, Swisher American Legion Post #671, VFW Post #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 & president of SaPaDaPaSo in 1995. Joe was a committee chairperson and supporter of the St. Jude Sweet Corn Festival for several years. He was an active member of the Sandy Beach Camping Club enjoying traveling, cookouts, card games, campfires, pulling pranks & 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 Airforce 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, Billie Jo (Jeremy) Konicek, daughter-in-law, Vicky Hill, 18 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 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, and 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.