Della Ann Davis, 87, of Minnetonka, formerly of Delano, New Prague and Mounds View, MN passed away at Minnesota Masonic Home on Friday, January 31^st, 2025. Just a few days shy of her 88^th birthday.

Della was born in Belle Plaine, IA on February 3rd,1937 to Blanche and Rex Johnson. She went on to marry Earle W. Davis of Ames, IA and went on to have 8 children. After the birth of their 6^th child, Della, her husband and growing family moved to Mounds View, MN eventually settling down on a small farm just outside of New Prague, near Union Hill. Their last 2 children were born in New Prague. Just prior to her golden years Della moved by herself to Delano, MN where she resided for many years, prior to moving to an assisted living facility in Minnetonka, MN.

Della is preceded in death by her son Brian Davis; parents: Blanche and Rex Johnson, along with her 6 siblings: Viginia Priefert, Johnny Johnson, Pauline Alwes, Lillian Johnson, Delores Johson, LaVonne Slocum.

Della is survived by 7 of her 8 children: Karel Schulte (Plymouth, MN), Rick Davis (Pine Island, MN), Lonny Davis (Chaska, MN), Debbie Gust (Alexandria, MN), Brenda Henrickson (Northfield, MN), Janine Davis (Seattle, WA) and Jeff Davis (Bloomington, MN) as well as 17 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren

Over the years Della enjoyed gardening both flowers and vegetables and did a great deal of canning with her family over the years. Della was a talented cook and baker. She was quite resourceful even when you might think the cupboards were bare, she’d find something tasty to whip together. To this day, friends and family comment on what a great cook Della was. She was an animal lover of all kinds. The family had farm animals as well as dogs and cats over the years. Della oftentimes taking in strays and nursing them back to good health. She had an immense love of music from hymnals to Blue Grass, old country and even a bit of rock-n-roll. In 1964 she even took Karel and niece Vicky to see the Beatles, the first time they came to Minneapolis. The following year she took the family to the Minnesota State Fair to see the Supremes. She attended many Blue Grass festivals across the states of Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin. Della was always singing! At home and especially in the kitchen while cooking or baking. She had a favorite song called ‘Shortenin’ Bread’ she would sing with her kids, seemingly reserved specifically for baking bread.

Della enjoyed attending church, reading scripture and bible stories to her children in their younger years, volunteering at her children’s many functions both school and extra-curricular. She would oftentimes invite a friend or two over for tea-time and conversation where they would find support in one-another, soothing their daily stressors while sipping on tea. She was a doting grandmother and relished spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren whenever she could. For a few years she worked as a homeworker aide, assisting less abled individuals in their homes. Della had a very generous spirit and was known for helping others, lending a helping hand or ear to those in need. Whether she knew them or not. Like one of her daughter’s recently commented, “I don’t think Mom ever knew a stranger”. It was not uncommon for Della to help a friend of one of her kids’ that was down on their luck by inviting them to stay with the family until they could get on their feet.

Della enjoyed traveling when she had the opportunity, whether to visit her adult children, grandchildren or extended family in the Mid-west or explore somewhere new. In her early years she did several over-the-road trips via semi-truck with her former truck-driving husband. In her golden years she explored the Pacific Northwest during a few trips to see her youngest daughter in Seattle, WA, where they took trips to the Washington coast, Olympic and Cascade mountains and Oregon. She also enjoyed local exploring, taking a scenic drive whether solo or with company. She had a spontaneous way about her and was always up for getting out of the house.

Della was well-loved by her family, friends and by those whose lives she impacted and will be greatly missed by all.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., with a 9:30-10:30 visitation prior on Thursday, February 6th, 2025, at: Iten Funeral Home: 300 3^rd St. N, Delano, MN 55328

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her honor to Heart Failure Society of America at: https://hfsa.org/research/heart-failure-research-foundation