Larry W. Davis, 81, of The Villages, FL, formerly of Dubuque, IA, passed away peacefully on April 3rd, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on July 7th, 1943 to Thomas and Gertrude Davis.  On May 2nd, 1964, he married his high school sweetheart and soulmate, Karen S. Witherall.

Larry worked as a welder at John Deere Dubuque Works and retired in April 1996 after 32 years of service.  After retirement, he worked part-time at Lacoma Golf Course as a greens keeper.  He had a great love for his family and friends and was frequently referred to as a “big teddy bear”.  The “big” came in scaring away any boys that would come to the house and “teddy bear” for being a softie to anyone who knew him.  Larry had a great love for animals, particularly his beloved dogs, Paco and Paco II.

In their early years of marriage, Larry and Karen enjoyed boating on the Mississippi River, participating in bowling leagues and softball … Larry coaching and Karen playing.  As their kids got older, they spent their summers camping at Wildwood Acres.  He was also feared at family reunions for continually taking home the horseshoe tournament trophy until his son took over.  Retirement brought them to The Villages, FL, where they enjoyed golfing and get togethers with the numerous friends they made.

Surviving Larry is his wife of 60 years, Karen; one son, Daren (Kris) Davis, Galesburg, IL; two daughters, Leah (Dan) Hefel, Dubuque, IA and Teri (Tom) Straka, Peosta, IA; 10 grandchildren, Alex Vaassen, Tyler Adam, Dalton (Sydney) Davis, Logan Davis (Marisa Miller), Riley (Nick) McLaughlin, Trent Hefel, Russ Hefel (Taylor Cota), Jamie Straka, Jesse Straka and Drew Straka; and one great grandchild, Callum Davis.  He is also survived by 4 siblings, Robert (Connie) Davis, Stephen (Marilyn) Davis, Karen Maury and Gary (Amy) Davis and sister-in-law, Ann Davis.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Thomas Davis, brother-in-law Daniel Maury and sister-in-law JoAnn Kennedy.

The family would like to say thank you to Cornerstone Hospice Center and to Florida Homecare Specialists, especially Zach, who showed so much compassion and care for Larry.  Memorials may be made in Larry’s name to Ronald McDonald House of Milwaukee.

Funeral services will be May 1st at 11:00 am at Resurrection Church, 4300 Asbury Rd, Dubuque, IA.  Following the service, a celebration of Larry’s life will be held at Happy’s Place, 2323 Rockdale Rd until 3:00 pm.  We invite all who knew Larry to join us in remembering him.