Thomas Wayne Davis

Thomas Wayne Davis, 88, of Grafton, Wisconsin, passed away suddenly on January 2, 2023. Thomas was born on January 21, 1934, in Oconto, Wisconsin to Louis Sealy Davis and Lorraine (nee) Derks. He graduated from Oconto High School in 1952 and from St. Norbert College, DePere, Wisconsin in 1956, excelling at both as a student athlete.

On June 10, 1976 he married the late Shirley Godec (who passed away on October 11, 2022). Their union brought together eight children; five of whom came from his earlier relationship with Florence Schrank (nee Eddy): Patricia Davis Szymczak, Thomas (Barbara) Davis II, James (Vicki) Davis, Lisa Davis, and Paul (Arianne) Davis; and Shirley’s three children, Richard (Roseanne) Genett, Renee (Timothy) Wild, Robin (Thomas) Fazio; as well as 15 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Thomas served 34 years in the U.S. Army, attaining the 06 rank of Colonel (Full Bird). His first active duty posting was at Fort Lewis, Tacoma, Washington, Madigan Army Hospital; as a reservist he traveled for summer military exercises to Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas; Fort Ord, Monterey Bay, California, and Fort Sheridan, Lake Country, Illinois, among other posts. He also guest lectured at the U.S. Army War College in Pennsylvania, before retiring from the military.

Thomas worked in sales for Pfizer Pharmaceutical Co. and its Roerig Division until 1970 when he took up teaching; first at Fritsch Middle School and later Bay View High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Upon retirement Thomas joined Ogden Realty in Milwaukee and later developed his own brand in real estate sales.

Family, sports and Wisconsin heritage and history – particularly that of his hometown of Oconto – topped Thomas’ list of passions. A fan of all Wisconsin sports teams, professional and collegiate, he held season tickets to the Green Bay Packers and to Marquette University basketball. He also supported Milwaukee major league baseball, from the Braves to the Brewers.

With a keen sense of humor and deep knowledge of local Wisconsin heritage, Thomas relished the role of “tour guide” whenever he entertained. He spun stories about his childhood in Oconto, and he knew all the best spots in Milwaukee where he spent most of his adult life. Thomas delighted friends and family with regular road trips to Lambeau Field in Green Bay, University of Wisconsin football games in Madison, and Oconto’s “Copperfest” celebrations every June, even once driving his newly refurbished 1961 vintage car in the town’s parade.

In retirement, Thomas traveled many times to Europe; with Army friends for World War II commemorations, with his children to see St. Norbert’s Green Knights play exhibition football in Ireland; to Russia, Azerbaijan and to Turkey, always making new friends along the way.

He will be dearly missed by his children, dear friends Ron and Mavis Jankowski, his friend and loyal helper in recent years, Cindy Brotzman, and his beloved dog Sophie, along with many relatives and friends spread throughout the world, whose lives he touched in so many ways.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Friday March 3, 2023, at St. Joseph Catholic Church (1619 Washington Street Grafton, WI 53024). Father Nick Baumgardner will be officiating. The family will receive visitors from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service with refreshments following the service. Internment will be at the Oconto Catholic Cemetery (3024 North River Road, Oconto WI) on the afternoon of Saturday June 10. Both services will take place with full military honors.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Green Knight Athletic Fund, St. Norbert College, 100 Grant Street, DePere, WI 54115; https://athletics.snc.edu/sports/2020/12/9/support-green-knights-athletics.aspx or to the American Legion https://mylegion.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Donate#legion-org