Gradyn E. Davies

Gradyn died peacefully on September 17, 2012 at home surrounded by his family and loving wife, Jeanne. Gradyn was born March 23, 1923 in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to Emily Williams and Griffith Edward Davies. After his mother's death in 1929, Gradyn and his sisters were raised by extended family in Wild Rose, Wisconsin.

Gradyn grew up in Wild Rose, a Welsh farming community. This community shaped his love of family, nature, reading and music. He graduated from Wild Rose High School.

In 1942, Gradyn enlisted in the US Army. He served with the 14th Cavalry Group during WWII. He saw combat during The Battle of the Bulge and was honorably discharged in 1945. Gradyn traveled with Jeanne and other family to areas where he fought during the Battle of the Bulge. In 2003 he made his final return with his dear friend and comrade in arms, Bill Barton.

In 1949, Gradyn graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in social work and completed graduate level coursework. He married Jeanne Busk of Lodi, Wisconsin on December 26, 1954. Gradyn worked with the Wisconsin Division of Corrections as a Probation and Parole Agent for 35 years in Ashland, Menominee, Shawano, Sheboygan and Green Bay. In 1973, he developed Self Help, Inc., an organization that assisted ex-convicts. One of his children recalls being downtown with Gradyn when a man walked up and gave him a hug. When asked who the man was, Gradyn replied, "An ex-con and he is one who made it!"

Gradyn was a member of the First United Methodist Church for over 50 years. He served on the Board of Brown County Civic Music for many years. He proudly rang a Christmas bell for the Salvation Army for several years.

Gradyn touched lives in distinct and personal ways. He loved true, meaningful exchanges with people from all walks of life. When you talked with him you knew he was listening. Gradyn was a true renaissance man, with sharp wit, intellect, creativity and humility. He spoke passionately to the fact that he had lived to see this country elect its first Black President. He loved the stillness of the woods and the enticement of a trout stream. His vast interests included reading, collecting field stone for building a fireplace, rustic family camping across the country, wood working, baking sourdough bread, gardening, classical and jazz music, love for animals but most of all eating the delicious meals his wife, Jeanne created for him.

Gradyn loved the bustle of life with his wife, Jeanne of 58 years and their five children, Gaye Davies (Bill Smith), Seattle; Garth Davies (Wendy), Green Bay; Tom Davies (Deborah Orman), St. Paul; Beth Davies (Mark Saarinen), Minneapolis; Susan Davies (Minneapolis). His six grandchildren, Griffith, Owen, Sararosa, Henry, Luke and Emily brought him immense pride and joy.

Gradyn was much loved by all and will be dearly missed.

His father, mother and two sisters, Katherine Wageman and Mary Jones, preceded him in death.

Renal failure and lung cancer were the combined causes of death.
Gradyn was accepted to the Body Donor Program at the UW-Madison School of Medicine.

Family and friends may call Saturday, September 22, 2012 at Newcomer Funeral Home, 340 S. Monroe Ave., Green Bay, from 11:00am until 12:00pm. A memorial service will be celebrated at the funeral home on Saturday at 12:00pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to UNICEF, the First United Methodist Church or the Bay Area Humane Society.

A heartfelt thanks to the caring and compassionate staff at Unity Hospice.