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FLORENCE, Wis. -- Kenneth E. Davis Jr., 82, of Florence, Wis., passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Wednesday, July 22, 2026, at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.
Ken was born on June 11, 1944, in Iron Mountain, the son of the late Kenneth E. Davis Sr. and Bernice (Halverson) Davis. Ken was a 1962 Kingsford High School graduate who proudly served his country as a U.S. Navy Corpsman during the Vietnam War and later served 20 years in the Michigan Army National Guard.
Ken dedicated much of his life to law enforcement and public service. He began his career as a police officer with the Grand Rapids Police Department, serving for nine years. He returned to Iron Mountain and joined the Iron Mountain Police Department, where he served the community for an additional 20 years, retiring in 1997 as a detective sergeant. He continued his passion for service as a deputy sheriff with the Dickinson County Sheriff's Department, ran the DARE program for several years, and also worked as a policeman at the Ford Airport.
On Oct. 12, 1968, Ken married the love of his life, Diane Provencher, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford. Together they built a life centered on family, faith, and community.
Ken was a longtime member of American Martyrs Catholic Church. He was also involved with the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post in Iron Mountain, the American Legion Post 50, and the Knights of Columbus. He volunteered for many years at the VA hospital and served as a peer support specialist. Ken later became a resident at the Community Living Center where he cherished the many friendships he formed with staff and residents alike.
Ken will be remembered for his great sense of humor, his huge heart, and his unwavering willingness to help family and friends in need. He dedicated his life to serving and protecting others -- his family, his country, and his community. He loved singing, spending time at camp, playing cards, riding his motorcycle, and most of all, spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his loving wife, Diane Davis; his two daughters, Jennifer (Dave) Ingle of Sun Prairie, Wis., and Kristine (Ricardo) Pritchett of Allen Park; his son, Daniel (Sara) Davis of Iron Mountain; two brothers, Jeff (Linda) Davis and Lee (Nanette) Davis; 11 grandchildren, Brittany (Matt) Schumaker, Tassie (Terry) Clark, Max (Makayla) Dunhum, Thomas Dunham, Ricki Davis, James and Kaitlin Ingle, Anna and Dylan Olsen, and Bryce and Ethan Davis; six great-grandchildren, Jovan, Gio, Cora, Crosby, Ehlo and Enzo; a brother-in-law, David (Beth) Provencher; two sisters-in-law, Kathy Henry and Renee (Rick) Lindow; several nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends who will miss him dearly.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, Ken and Bernice Davis; his mother and father-in-law, Don and Mary Provencher; and his three sisters, Pat Davis, Darlene Patrick, and Kim Sgrecci.
Words cannot express the gratitude Kenny's family has for the care and compassion given by the entire staff of the CLC and the VA. They created an environment where Kenny thrived through their love, compassion and care.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. A funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 31, at American Martyrs Catholic Church in Kingsford with Father Greg Heikkala officiating. The burial will be at Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.
The Uren-Cooper-Johnson American Legion Post 50 will conduct military graveside honors.
Condolences to the family of Ken Davis may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.
The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.