Darrell Davis

Darrell Davis, 75, of Random Lake, Wis., passed away on April 21, 2026.

Darrell was born on Feb. 12, 1951, in Milwaukee, Wis. He attended Random Lake elementary and middle schools.

Darrell was united in marriage to Patricia Kies on Sept. 27, 1969, and together they shared a lifetime of love and partnership.

From a young age, Darrell had a deep love for cars — fixing them, driving them and appreciating the craftsmanship behind them. That passion began early with his first job at a local dealership in Random Lake, where he changed oil and learned the fundamentals of automotive work. He later worked at Badger Tag and Label, but his heart always remained with cars.

In 1977, Darrell followed his passion and purchased Paint Unlimited, where he truly found his calling in the art of auto bodywork. Over the years, he owned and operated several businesses, including ventures in snowmobiling, printing, car washes and land development, and he owned Midway Mart gas station for 25 years. His entrepreneurial spirit was matched only by his creativity and dedication to his craft. For the last 20 years, he owned JW Rod Garage and continued his love for building hot rod parts and ran that business until his last days.

In 1995, Darrell and Patricia built their dream home, complete with the garage he had always envisioned — a space where he spent countless hours doing what he loved most: building and restoring old cars. In recent years, he especially enjoyed building parts for classic hot rods, a testament to both his skill and lifelong passion.

In April of 2025, Darrell found his way to the Lord and was baptized into the Catholic faith. Though he had never been particularly religious, a serious car accident in 2022 led him to reflect deeply on his life. Feeling that his time on earth had been spared for a reason, he found comfort in faith and a desire to give thanks.

He is survived by his devoted wife Patricia, his son Cory (MaryBeth) Davis of Random Lake, his daughter Charleen “Charlie” (Dale) Rupiper of Neenah and his three cherished grandchildren, Lainey, Dylan and Lorelai, whom he loved deeply. He is further survived by his sister Denise (Joey) Jackett of Sheboygan, his brother Dwayne Davis of Oostburg, nieces, nephews, other family members and friends.

Darrell was preceded in death by his parents Lester Davis and Marie and Jack Martin, his sister Debbie Davis, his parents-in-law Elmer and Christine Kies and his brothers-in-law Ron Lutzke and Donald Kies.

Darrell will be remembered for his hardworking nature, his entrepreneurial drive and his unwavering passion for automobiles. Above all, he will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who found his greatest joy in his family.

He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 29, at Our Lady of the Lakes Parish, St. Mary Chapel, 230 Butler St., Random Lake. Father Donald Thimm will preside over the Mass.  The family will receive visitors at the church on Wednesday, April 29, from 3 p.m. until the Mass at 5 p.m.

Darrell will be laid to rest the following day in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Random Lake.

If desired, memorials are suggested in Darrell’s name to Our Lady of the Lakes Parish or Divine Savior School.

Eernisse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Online condolences can be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.