Wayne Edward Davies
February 27, 1935 - March 20, 2025
Obituary
MONONA - Wayne E. Davies, age 90, of Monona, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at home surrounded by his family. He was born on February 27, 1935, in Lancaster, the son of John and Stella (Matthews) Davies.
Wayne took pride in his service with the U.S. Army, deployed to Japan for 18 months during the Korean Conflict. Shortly after returning, he met the love of his life, Louise Brehm, and they were united in marriage on May 30, 1958, at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Monona. After working for Mauer Art and Picture Frame in Madison for 21 years, Wayne founded his business, W.E. Davies & Sons Remodeling, Inc. in 1975. His strong work ethic, detailed craftsmanship, and participation in local business networking through the Tip Club, built a trusted name in the greater Monona area. Wayne retired from the business in 2000, however, his legacy lives on through his sons, Wade and Wynn, and grandsons, Kyle and Tyler. W.E. Davies & Sons Remodeling, Inc. celebrates 50 years in business this year.
A true craftsman and master woodworker, Wayne’s interests have always centered around building and creating. Beginning in childhood with TinkerToys, his hobbies grew to include RC modeling and building remote controlled boats, while later discovering a true gift for creating detailed scaled ships and military aircraft. In his retired years, Wayne could most often be found in his shop, where he spent countless hours building an extensive catalog of fine woodwork ranging from large and small furniture, to wood turnings and toys for his family and friends. Over the past decade, he regularly shared his shop with his daughter Lori, passing along his knowledge and skills for creating beautiful items on the lathe.
Wayne loved traveling the country with his navigator, Louise, in their RV. They often shared these experiences with family and friends, and he spoke fondly of these adventures over the years. A consummate storyteller, Wayne could easily spark conversation with those he met, a skill that led to many lifelong friendships. He found great companionship in his pets, especially his dachshunds, who were always by his side. Wayne cherished the time he spent with his loved ones, living by the adage that, ‘at the end of the day, there is nothing more important than family.’
Wayne is survived by his wife, Louise; three children, Lori (Dan) Drake, Wynn (Julie) Davies and
Wade (Christine) Davies; sister, Sharon (Tim Harris) Leikness; six grandchildren, Melissa (Jeff) David, Kyle (Carly Hanson) Davies, Tyler (Amanda Siecinski) Davies, Jaime (Jordan) Hansen, Jacob (Amy) Davies and Lucas Davies; six great-grandchildren, Virginia and Joseph David, Harper and Sawyer Davies, Barrett Davies, and Brody Davies; as well as many nieces, nephews, and in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Stella; and granddaughter, Jenelle Drake.
A celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 29, 2025.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made in Wayne’s name to Agrace HospiceCare. A special thank you to the Veterans Administration for all of the support for Wayne’s extended vision care, which was crucial to his hobbies and Agrace HospiceCare for their continued care of Wayne. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420