Richard J. Davis

Richard “Dick” J. Davis, 47 of Devils Lake, ND died on Monday morning, January 11, 2010 at his home in Devils Lake in the loving care of his wife, Denise and Mercy Hospice. Mass of Christian Burial for Dick will be held on Friday, January 15, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. Fr. Peter Sharpe will celebrate the Mass and burial will be in St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Thursday from 1:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with the family present from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Friday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral Mass. Serving as Casket Bearers for Dick will be Glenn Geske, Tom Watt, Les Kuk, Todd Romine, Rory Saari and Gene LaMotte Jr. Music will be provided by Lonnie Gestson, soloist and JoDee Lagein; Reading the Scriptures will be Pastor Jim Harris; Richard James was born on February 12, 1962 at Grand Forks, ND the son of James J. and Claire (Hensrud) Davis. He was educated at Crary, ND and graduated from Crary High School with the class of 1980. Dick attended UND-Lake Region Junior College and received his certification as a Diesel Mechanic. Richard was united in marriage to Denise Paulson in October of 1984 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake. While in high school Dick worked for Brown’s Farm and continued to work for them in later years. He also was the manager of Standard Brands in Seattle, Washington and after returning to North Dakota he worked in the Sanitation Department for the City of Devils Lake, Veit Construction, and most recently was employed with Dokkens Construction Company of Towner, ND. Dick was an avid outdoorsman and his passion was hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed horseback riding and was a member of the Fort Totten Trail Riders. Dick also served on the Board of the Twiz Watt Fishing Tournament for several years. Dick played on Summer’s Manufacturing Softball Team for many years and in the winter enjoyed league Darts and playing Texas Hold’em. These activities allowed Dick to spend time with his many friends. Dick had a generous spirit and always volunteered to help with the cooking at many benefits held for others in the Lake Region. Our hearts ache with sadness as we have lost someone very special to us. May he rest in God’s peace. Dick is survived by his wife, Denise of Devils Lake; children, Terry R. Hoover and Jeremy E. Hoover both of Coolidge, Arizona and Victoria M. Hoover of Devils Lake; his four grandchildren, Autumn Hoover; Brittany Hood, Jeremy Hood and Tristen Crist; sisters and brother: Debbie (Terry) Armstrong, Robert (Cindy) Davis and Diane (Terry) Frelich and his mother, Claire Davis all of Devils Lake; He is also survived by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Keith Paulson of Brocket, ND and Marlene Paulson of Devils Lake; brothers-in-law, Patrick Paulson and Kevin (Laura) Paulson both of Seattle, Washington and many nieces and nephews. Other survivors are Dick’s many dearly loved friends whom he considered his family. Dick was preceded in death by his father, James “Jim” Davis and grandparents, James “Pat” and Gertrude Davis and Carl and Clara Hensrud.