David Wade Davis

DAVID WADE DAVIS “DUKE,” joined the Lord for a peaceful rest on September 15, 2023, at Wesley Medical Center. Love and prayers surrounded him during this time. David was born to Diane Rose Bartig and Melvin Wade Davis on December 3, 1960, in Duluth, MN.

He graduated from Denfeld High School, in 1979 and in his early 20’s, he left to go serve time in Germany. After serving his country, he relocated to Wichita, KS where he met his beautiful wife Tracy and began their family together, having a daughter Jamie. He worked for 3 major companies in his life that made an impact in his life including CLS, Ferroloy and Star Lumber, where he met amazing people who became more than just acquaintances.

David was passionate about his work and was always lending a helping hand or ear to anyone who was unsure of a situation. He was a one-of-a-kind man; from his homemade gifts to silly remarks, there was not a moment where you could not look at him and just smile. David loved to watch professional sports and played Hockey in his younger years. Every season, he loved taking his daughter and wife to the Wichita Thunder Hockey games.

David was diagnosed with stage 4, squamous cell carcinoma (throat cancer) this past year and fought until the very end to enjoy life as much as possible with his loved ones. He was an amazing and devoted father, friend and coworker to everyone he encountered.

He was preceded in death by his Parents; Grandparents Agnes and Robert Bartig, Twilight and Richard Davis; Father-in-law, E. Morgan Guoladdle and Brother-in-law, Spencer L. Guoladdle.

David is survived by his wife, Tracy; daughter, Jamie; sons Zachary Hanson and Jeremy Lemasters of Duluth, MN; Stepchildren, Amber and Evan of Wichita, KS; Sister Lori Francis (Merlyn); Brother Michael Davis (Cindy); Half-sister, Eric Davis; Half-brothers, Casey, Jason and Eric Davis; nephew Jack; half-nephew, Julian Davis and niece Jessica Davis of Duluth, MN. Mother-in-law Lorene C. Guoladdle, Sister-in-law Michelle Guoladdle of Wichita and Stepfather Walter J. Bruley of Duluth, MN.

To honor David’s wishes, no services will be held; instead, he would like for us to celebrate his life each day as though he is still walking among us. David will be cremated and honoring his wishes, he will be brought home to his wife and daughter. At a later time, some of his ashes will be spread at his favorite spots, Duluth, MN and Lake Superior.

In lieu of flowers, a Go Fund Me account has been established for the family to help honor David's wishes: https://gofund.me/dd4741b7