Patrick Thomas Davis

Patrick Thomas Davis, age 90, of Savage, MN, passed away on August 29, 2026 at Southview Acres Healthcare Center in West St. Paul. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00am with a visitation from 10:00-10:50 AM on Thursday, October 1, 2026 at St. Michael Catholic Church (16400 Duluth Ave SE, Prior Lake, MN). Father Tom Walker will preside. Pat will be laid to rest at St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Prior Lake.

Patrick was born in St. Paul, MN on May 19, 1936 to Michael and Emily Davis. The youngest of seven children, Pat was raised in St. Paul and after his high school graduation in 1954, he enlisted in the United States Army. He was stationed in Germany and served as a radio intercept operator until he was honorable discharged and returned to St. Paul, MN.

While working at Northwest Airlines, Pat’s life would change for the better when he met the love of his life, Shirlee. After a quick few months, a proposal was made on Shirlee’s birthday and this small town girl and the big city boy united in marriage on September 5, 1959 in Annandale, MN where they officially began their life together. Pat & Shirlee quickly expanded their family with four children, Baby Joseph (who they sadly lost in early infancy), Christopher, Mark and Kimberly, and five St. Bernards – Nina, Brandy, Sasha, Rena, & Tasha.

Pat decided to further his education and earned his Bachelor’s degree at St. Thomas University, his Master’s degree at Tulane University in New Orleans, and eventually his Doctorate in Sociology. This allowed Pat to wear many hats during his career. He was the Super-Intendent of the Women’s Reformatory in Shakopee, a social worker for Minneapolis Schools, taught classes on Family Dynamics the Glenn Lake Boys Juvenile Home and eventually teaching graduated courses for the University of St. Thomas before his retirement.

While Pat was attending school, Pat & Shirlee lived in a few different places, and eventually settled in Prior Lake, MN in 1970. As a family, they lived an active life and went on many adventures, traveling to places like Hawaii, Florida, California, road trips through the mountains to Idaho and to Texas. The family’s favorite pastime was boating on Prior Lake, the Mississippi, and the St. Croix rivers and Lake Superior. They also owned a sailboat in Bayfield, WI, where Kim and Captain Pat chartered trips around the Apostle Islands.

During their retirement, Pat & Shirlee lived on their 50 foot cabin Cruiser, “Big Dog”, traveling to and from Florida using the country’s river systems. They also spent many adventures on their Goldwing motorcycle cruising the country. They finally settled in The Villages of Florida in 2005, which became the favorite vacation destination for their children and grandchildren.

Pat was always a strong advocate for his family. He made sure his grandchildren were taken care of, especially during difficult health issues, and he enjoyed sharing his life experiences, giving advice, reading to them and being available to support them in their triumphs and disappointments. In 2017, Pat & Shirlee returned to Minnesota to be closer to their family where they cherished the time they had with Sunday Family dinners at Kim & Barry’s and 5:00 cocktails and takeout dinner on Fridays with whoever could make it.

Pat is deeply loved and will be missed by wife of 67 years, Shirlee; children, Chris Davis and Kimberly (Barry) Hobart; daughter-in-law, Kerri Davis; grandchildren, Alexandra Hobart, TJ Hobart, Tanner (Nicole) Hobart, Zachary Davis, Nicholas Davis-Flood, Gracelyn Davis-Flood and many other family and friends.

He will be reunited in heaven with son, Mark Davis and infant son, Joseph; infant great-grandson, Joseph Richard Hobart; parents and siblings.

Special thank you to Minnesota Hospice and Southview Acres Healthcare Center for their excellent care and love for Patrick.