Mary Goldie Davis

Mary Goldie Davis (Proehl) was born on November 22, 1943, in Minnesota Lake, Minnesota, to George and Goldie Proehl, proud and hardworking farmers. The second of eight children, Mary cherished her upbringing on the family farm, where she learned the values of love, hard work, and service—traits she carried with her throughout her life.

After graduating high school, Mary pursued her love for education at Mankato State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Education. She had a natural gift for teaching, which she paired with her passion for cooking to inspire and impact countless lives over her 30-year teaching career. Her warmth, creativity, and compassion made her classroom a place where students felt seen, encouraged, and cared for.

Mary met the love of her life, John Davis, while working on Madeline Island in Bayfield, Wi. They married on July 4, 1970, on her family farm in Minnesota Lake. The couple built their life together in the Twin Cities, ultimately settling in Coon Rapids, where they raised their three children and created a loving home for over 50 years. Together, they enjoyed remodeling their house, spending time by the Mississippi River, and being active in their church, Faith Lutheran, and the local community.

Mary had a deep love for cooking and entertaining, and she generously shared that joy with everyone around her. Whether in her own kitchen, at church, at friends and family's houses, Mary believed anyone could learn to cook—and she was always willing to teach. Her greatest joy was cooking with her grandchildren, who will forever cherish those memories.

Her children and grandchildren were the light of her life. She was delighted to attend their games, recitals, and events—traveling across states to cheer them on. Whether it was hockey, dance, football, baseball, softball, dance, piano, or basketball, Mary was always there, proudly wearing their team colors and cheering louder than anyone else.

Mary is survived by her beloved husband, John, who remains in their home in Coon Rapids. Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren, Jason and Renee Davis with Hudson and Quinn (Beaver Dam, WI), Kristin and Ryan Hanson with Myles, Cooper, Gabrielle, and Remy (Elk River, MN), Katie and Shane Kalbrener with Karlee and Brody (Valley City, ND). She is also survived by her loving siblings: David (Joan) Proehl, Curtis (Janet) Proehl, Eldo (Marilyn) Proehl, Ruthann Torgerson, Donna (Dave) Thompson, and Dori (Ted) Mueller, along with many nieces and nephews. Mary now rejoices in Heaven with her parents, her brother Harlan, in-laws, Vi and Leon Davis, brother-in-law, Jim Davis, and countless loved ones gone before her.

Mary's life was full of joy, laughter, and deep friendships. From neighborhood gatherings and dinner club nights to holiday celebrations, she created a lifetime of memories surrounded by those she loved. The Saboes and Caseys were especially dear and played a big role in creating a wonderful lifetime of memories, becoming like extended family to the Davises.

Mary was deeply loved and will be missed beyond measure. Her legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will live on in every life she touched.