S. Stanton Davis

S. Stanton Davis, 100, passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026. He was born at Mercy Hospital in Janesville, Wisconsin, in September 1925. He grew up in Janesville and graduated high school early to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corps; his parents accepted his diploma at the June 1944 commencement.

On February 4, 1944, he boarded a train to Miami for Aviation Student Basic Training. In August, he attended the University of Pittsburgh for a semester of coursework in math, meteorology, and geology. In January 1945, he reported to Gunter Field (Maxwell Air Force Base) to complete Aviation Cadet training. On March 5, he was assigned to Amarillo Army Air Field in Texas for Flight Engineer training on the B-17 and B-29.

After World War II ended on September 2, 1945, flight training was gradually discontinued. On November 9, students were offered a choice: continue training with a three-year service commitment or accept an honorable discharge. Stan chose discharge and returned to Janesville.

In spring 1946, he and a friend traveled to Eugene, Oregon, where they worked for a lumber mill during the summer. He returned to Madison in August 1946 and completed two semesters at the University of Wisconsin. In June 1947, he began the two-year trimester program at Madison Business College and graduated in July 1949. One winter morning on his way to class, he saw a young woman slip on an icy sidewalk and hurried to help. He soon learned her name was Eloise and she would become his lifelong best friend and wife. They were married at Bethel Lutheran Church in Madison in November 1949.

In July 1949, Stan joined the Kroger Grocery Company in its management training and auditing program, where he worked for five years. When offered a promotion and transfer to corporate headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, he chose to remain in Madison to build a family. He earned his real estate license and spent two years with Badger Realty. Stan also joined the Masonic Temple and was raised to the 32nd degree in September 1953.

After earning his real estate broker license, he founded Empire Real Estate Company in 1958. He sold Empire in the late 1960s and spent the following decades managing personal commercial and residential real estate investments.

Stan and Eloise shared nearly 70 years of marriage and were devoted, generous parents and grandparents. For 40 years they wintered in the Tampa Bay area as active snowbirds, enjoying time with family and friends in both Wisconsin and Florida. They loved entertaining, traveling, big-band dancing, and Tampa theater, and they participated in golf, bowling, and bocce leagues. Many evenings ended around the card table playing bridge.

For the past six years, Stan called Coventry Village in Madison home, where he was warmly supported by staff and fellow residents. He became an avid listener of audiobooks, especially autobiographies, through the Wisconsin Council of the Blind, an exceptional service.

Stan is survived by his children, William (Debra) Davis and Jeffrey (Lisa) Davis; grandchildren, Jared Davis (Amanda Hamann), Kristie Davis (former spouse), and Angie (Jeff) Garretson; step-grandchildren, Megan (Richard) Rendle and Lauren (Nate) Schacht; and great-grandchildren, Alexis Davis, Keeli Davis, Gia Garretson, Reilly Rendle, Casey Schacht, and Conor Schacht. He is also survived by nephews, Greg (Vicki) Davis, Gary Davis, and Robert Helmeid; and by nieces, Louanne (Richard) Pauley and Patty (Michael) Hickey.

Stan was preceded in death by his wife, Eloise Jeannette Davis (Larson) (1928-2019); his parents, Ferrell Thornton Davis (1887-1962) and Hazel Gladys Davis (Stephens) (1892-1973); and his brother, Russel Eugene Davis (1915-1990).

The family is deeply grateful to the many health care professionals at the William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital and UW Hospital who helped Stan through numerous age-related medical challenges.

In September 2025, Stan moved to Oak Park Place on Nakoma Road in Madison, where his assisted living needs were met by a compassionate, highly professional staff. In January, Agrace Hospice professionals joined the care team to support Stan and keep him comfortable.

A graveside internment service will be held in May for immediate family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Bethel Lutheran Church - In Memory of S. Stanton Davis, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, WI  53703-2108. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002