Thomas W. Davis

It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Wayne Davis announces his passing at age 83, on February 11, 2022. Tom was born in Racine, January 27, 1939, son of the late Geraldine (nee: Haller) and Kenneth Davis.

In his early years, Tommy D. learned lots of card games from his grandma, inspiring a lifelong pastime. Becoming a Mass server at St. Joseph Catholic Church also made an impression as he often recited prayers to his children in Latin.

As a kid, an enterprising Tom always had money in his pocket. His family ran the concession stand at Horlick Field, with Tommy working the counter. (There he met the Racine Belles and others in the women’s baseball “league of their own.”) Tom enjoyed helping his dad make ice cream—smooth as silk—that was popular at Racine’s neighborhood stores. He also caddied and reset pins at the bowling alley.

Tom graduated from St. Catherine’s High School, “Class of 1957,” and proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1957–60. Upon his return, he met the love of his life, the beautiful Marilyn B. Gross. On June 23, 1962, they were united in Holy Matrimony at St. John Nepomuk, and were blessed with four children, Steven, Sheryl, Paul and James.

After beginning his career at Racine Hydraulics, Tom became a pattern maker by trade and worked for 20 years at Industrial Pattern until it closed. He then worked for Racine Steel Castings until retirement, when he decided to give back by working at St. Joseph School, happily getting to see his oldest grandkids on a regular basis.

Tom mentored boys in the Big Brothers program and was a member of the Catholic Men’s Club. At St. Joe’s, he served as president of the Athletic Association and coached Steve and James in basketball and baseball. As a sports enthusiast, he formed and/or played on many city league softball teams, and played tennis in Racine’s couples’ and men’s leagues, where he often surprised his opponents with unexpected skills. He also played cribbage competitively in Fritz’s Bar league.

Tom loved a party—and was a great party planner. He loved a good laugh and old movies, especially westerns. He loved watching his kids play sports and enjoying a good meal. Luckily, Marilyn’s an excellent cook. Tom read two newspapers every day and could tell you what was happening around the city, across the country and in every sport. He was also known to have a spy novel nearby. His travels to the Kentucky Derby were a highlight—a bunch of guys in an RV, playing cards, with horses as the final destination? Heaven.

Most of all, he loved his family and friends. His exterior may have been tough, but Tom had a big heart. Stranded with a flat tire? He came, even at five in the morning on his day off. Need help with your paper route? He was up early to drive. The best feeling was when he pulled you aside and said, “I’ve been thinking about you,” and then gave ideas for resolving a problem. In later years, his health became the focus, but he persevered through every surgery. Until it became too much. 83 years but still too soon—Tommy D., you will be deeply missed.

Surviving are his wife of nearly 60 years, Marilyn; children, Steven Davis of Jackson, WI, Sheryl (Dean) Davis-Troller of Cottage Grove, WI, James Davis of Milwaukee; grandchildren, Justin (Brittany) Davis, Ashley (Ryan) Veselik, Craig (Taylor) Davis, Madeline and Jordan Davis-Troller, and Maximus Davis; great-grandchildren, Madalynn, Jazyn, Jamison, Emmerson, Brookelin, Mason and Gannon; sister, Barbara Valley and brother, Charles Freimund; in-laws, Richard (Peggy) Gross, Janet (Charles) Haas, David “Fritz” Lepow, and Cathy Gross; and many other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved son, Paul; and siblings, Donna Niesen, John (Shirley) Davis, and Sandra (James) Moore.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St. at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 26, with his nephew, Fr. Robert Gross and Fr. Steve Varghese con-celebrating. Interment with military honors will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Hwy 32. Visitation occurs prior to the Mass 10–11 a.m. Memorials to St. Joseph Parish have been suggested.

The family extends a special thank you to Bart Bohat for re-energizing Tom these last years with such compassionate care. Thanks also to Pam Boyle for her help and ongoing friendship.