William J. Davies

William “Bill” J. Davies, age 93, of Phelps, WI, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2015 at the Iron County Medical Care Facility, Crystal Falls, MI. He was born July 2, 1921 in Iron River, MI, the son of the late William and Emma (Cox) Davies. He attended the Iron River Schools, graduating from Iron River High School with the Class of 1939. He worked for Hayden’s Garage after graduation and at small jobs while he was in high school. One of his bosses was a Finnish man and he could mimic his brogue to a T. One of them was “When he was alive he was a very fine fellow, but when he a died he was not worth five cents apiece.” He was drafted into the service in 1943. He served as a motor transport officer at Fort Sill, OK, and later he served at Fort Ord, CA, where he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant. In 1945 he was sent to Hawaii and then to Japan. While he was on ship, they were told the war was over, but continued on. When they got off the ship he said the Japanese people were cheering and waving at them. He served in the Army of Occupation until he returned home. Bill married his girlfriend Ella Mustonen of two years at the Wayfarer Churchin Carmel, CA, and they stayed together for 70 years. He was a wonderful husband and father. He always said his family came first, and in Ella’s eyes he could do anything. When he returned home from Japan, he lived in Iron River for a while, but jobs were scarce, so he went to Roseburg, OR. While there he heard the farm of his wife’s uncle was up for sale, so he bought it in 1948. He built up a dairy herd of Holstein cows and had a thriving business. He sold the dairy herd, but continued keeping cattle for replacements. At 84 he could still climb up a 60 foot silo if there was a problem at the top. He was very energetic and healthy until the past year. He loved to garden and gave vegetables away to people. He also learned to play the accordion, and enjoyed his computer. On week-end the couple motorcycled in Wisconsin and Michigan. Bill served as Town Chairman, was on the County Board, and later became Vilas County Highway Commissioner. He was a member of the American Legion and former member of the Lions Club. He also served on the Board of the Northwoods Hospital. Bill leaves behind his wife, Ella and son, William at home; daughter, Bette (Mark) Graper of Columbus, WI; sister, Marjorie Wykoski of Three Lakes, WI, and her sons, Steve and Bill; Sister-in-law Joyce Davies of Iron River, MI; brother-in-law, Leslie DeMers of Land O’Lakes and his son Paul and grandson, Jedro Allan; many friends and relatives He was also preceded in death by his brother, George and sister, Lucille DeMers. Visitation will be held Tuesday, January 27, 2015 from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at the Jacobs Funeral Home of Iron River. Funeral services will follow at 11 a.m. with Rev. Gary Spurjeon to officiate. The West Side Veterans will accord Military Rites at the service. Interment will be in Phelps Cemetery in the spring. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of William J. Davies, please visit our flower store.