Donald "Butch" Davies, age 75 of Denmark Township, died suddenly but peacefully on Thursday evening, March 2, 2023.
Butch was born May 23, 1947, in Prescott, WI to Vernal and Beth (Norton) Davies. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1965 and later married Evonne Gustafson in 1966. Following a tragic airplane accident, Butch lost Evonne and his sister, Beverly Davies. On March 21, 1970, Butch married Diane Lindemann in Cottage Grove, and their daughter Kristine (Davies) Jacobs was born in 1978. Butch was a longtime owner and operator of Davies Excavating and Kinnickinnic Resort on the St. Croix along with his dad and brother-in-law, Don Cysiewski.
Butch loved spending time with Diane and their many family members and friends, especially with the Denmark Card Club over a game of Euchre. He was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time at their cabin on Rainy Lake in Ontario. He found joy and relaxation in flying his DeHavilland Beaver, Cessna 185 and Piper Super Cub. Butch and Diane were also part of the W.I.T.Y. (What's It To You) racing team at the Reno National Air Races for many years. Whether it was old tractors, gas engines, antique cars or guns, Butch enjoyed his many collections. He appreciated the challenge of any project he undertook, often spending sleepless nights seeking a solution, and it seemed he could fix just about anything and would always get the job done.
Butch was a collector of friends. No matter where he traveled, he seemed to always run in to someone he knew or make new friends along the way. He was gruff and rough on the outside, but his heart was pure gold, a heart of gold that melted when his grandchildren were born. His grin of pride was always on his face where Elsie and Eli were concerned. He was a very generous man of heart and spirit, and was always willing to share it with everyone, especially over a Kessler’s and Diet Pepsi! The Hasting Raider’s Wrestling team was a big part of Butch’s life not only in high school, but all throughout his life. He was a founding member of the Tom Keene Wrestling Memorial Scholarship. He was fortunate enough to watch the Raider wrestling team take the 2023 Minnesota State High School Championship title just hours before he died.
Butch is survived by his wife, Diane; daughter and son-in-law, Krisi (Jeff) Jacobs; grandchildren, Elsie and Eli; his sisters, Vernelle (Don) Cysiewski, Judy Friese, Rita (Joe) Niederkorn and Sara (Carl) Tessmer; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Butch was preceded in death by his parents; first wife, Evonne; sister, Beverly; and his brother-in-law, Ron Friese.
Memorial services will be held 3:00 p.m. Monday, March 13, 2023, at The Old Ptacek’s Event Center, 1449 Orrin Road in Prescott, with Pastor Bryan Olson of Cottage Grove United Church of Christ officiating.
Family and friends are cordially invited to a Celebration of Butch's Life following the memorial service from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., also at The Old Ptacek’s Event Center.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Tom Keene Wrestling Scholarship Fund or the Loyal Order of Moose 1088 in Inver Grove Heights, MN.
For guestbook and further information, please visit www.hastingsmnfuneral.com
Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.
