Sofie Davis

Sofie Davis, 105, of McGregor, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2019, at Great River Care Center in McGregor. Sofie Edel, the daughter of Bernt and Johanna (Peterson) Juvik, was born Nov. 9, 1914, in St. Olaf. She was baptized and confirmed at Norway Lutheran Church, St. Olaf. She graduated from country school in rural Wagner Township and was awarded her honorary high school diploma from Central Community Schools on her 103rd birthday. Sofie was united in marriage with Raymond Davis on Sept. 22, 1937, at Norway Lutheran Church, St. Olaf. Sofie and Raymond farmed the Davis family farm south of McGregor for many years. After Raymond’s death in 1979, Sofie moved to Garnavillo, where she lived for 22 years. She then moved to McGregor, where she lived on her own until age 98. At that time, the Great River Care Center became her home. 

Sofie had been an active member of First Lutheran Church (Swede Ridge), serving as a Sunday school superintendent and teacher, president of the ladies aid and a quilter for Lutheran World Relief. 

Sofie enjoyed sewing and quilting. Sofie was named Clayton County Mother of the Year and was an active member of the Red Hat Club. She was also very active in local boys and girls 4-H clubs. She especially loved spending time with her grandchildren and “neighborhood” children. She was a friend to many ages, young and old.

Sofie is survived by her children, Dorothy (Bill) Peterson of McGregor; Paul (Chris) Davis of Los Angeles, Calif.; Russell (Jean) Davis of Waterloo; and Carol Harrington of Cresco; her daughter-in-law, Anna Mae Davis of Ridgeway; 15 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; her sister, Agnes Feuerhelm of Waukon; and many nieces and nephews.

Sofie was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond; her son, Donald; a granddaughter, Dawn Davis Meyer; three brothers and their spouses, Odin and Sylvia Juvik, Bertin and Winnifred Juvik and Josef and Katherine Juvik; and a brother-in-law, Glenn Feuerhelm.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 3,  at First Lutheran Church (Swede Ridge), McGregor. Rev. Gary Hatcher will be the officiant.

Visitation will be held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 2, at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home in McGregor and one hour before services at the church on Friday.

Interment will follow the service on Friday in the church cemetery.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in McGregor is helping the family with arrangements.