Lois H. Davis of Guttenberg

Lois H. Davis, 93 of Guttenberg, IA passed away on Monday, July 6, 2026, at Guttenberg Care Center surrounded by her children and loved ones.

Lois was born January 20, 1933, in Guttenberg, Iowa, to Andrew and Irene (Miller) Elsinger. As the 3^rd of 8 children, Lois helped her mother take care of the family home, cooking, canning, gardening, and taking care of the younger siblings. She used to ride a train to Wisconsin where she took piano lessons and honed her beautiful singing voice! Music was her passion! Lois was involved in 4-H which enhanced her ability to sew and create and cook. And all these talents she lovingly passed on to her own children.

After graduating from St. Mary’s School, Lois worked at an attorney’s office before marrying her high school sweetheart, Edward ‘Pete’ Davis, on December 27, 1952, and the life of a Navy wife began. Travels to Germany, the Philippines and Hawaii were some of the stations for the couple. Lois learned a lot about packing, unpacking, and changing schools. So many memories made and stories shared over the years! Trips back to Guttenberg weren’t frequent, but always special.

After Pete’s retirement from the Navy, Lois became the wife of a farmer; back to her roots, in Guttenberg. There they worked together with some of their children and Lois’ brothers Andy Jr. and Frank. Many more memories and stories: bitterly cold winters, deep snow, tractor rides, Shetland ponies and pet cows named Heather. They farmed with their son, Richard, until the time to retire came again. Lois and Pete went on some vacations; one back to Germany for a dream come true – the Passion Play in Oberammergau.

She is survived by her 8 children – Jackie (Wayne), Bernie (Larkin), Barb (Gary), Ken (Kim), Andy (Diane), Rich (Sheila), Theresa (Jody) and Frank (Julie), 20 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandchild, siblings: Thomas Elsinger and Joan Saunders.

Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Pete, her parents, Andrew Sr. and Irene Elsinger, brother Cyrenus (Bud) and sister-in-law Bern, brother Cyril and sister-in-law Carol, brother Andrew Jr., brother Frank and sister-in-law Jane, sister Verna and brother-in-law Andy Haman, brother-in-law Bill Saunders.

Visitation will be held from 9 – 10:30 a.m. on Friday, July 10, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg, Iowa. Funeral Mass will commence at 11 a.m. with burial to follow at the church cemetery. Rev. Paul Kwaku-Ameyaw will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for trees to be planted in memory of Lois.

Morris Funeral Home (Dyersville, Guttenberg, Garnavillo, Monticello, Holy Cross) is assisting the family and online condolences may be left for the family at www.kramer-morrisfuneralhome.com.