Richard “Dick” Davenport

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 5:30 pm

Richard “Dick” Davenport, 66, of Decorah, died Thursday, Feb. 14, 2019, at Aase Haugen Senior Services in Decorah, following a long illness. Visitation is from 4 to 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 21, at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Ave in Decorah, followed by a Celebration of life service and sharing of stories at 6 p.m., with Rev. Richard Simon Hanson presiding. The Schluter Balik Funeral Home in Decorah is handling arrangements. Burial will be in the spring at Phelps Cemetery in Decorah.

Richard “Dick” Wayne Davenport was born the night of Nov. 26, 1952, to Ralph and Julia (Mursick) Davenport in Mason City. Dick’s family lived in Mason City for a few years, and then moved to Northwood for several years before moving back to Mason City, where he graduated from high school in 1971. After high school, Dick attended NIACC in Mason City for a year. He then joined the Navy and served for four years on the USS Rathburne in the Pacific Ocean, spanning from Pearl Harbor, Hawaii to the Philippines. Upon discharge, Dick attended the University of Iowa where he earned his bachelor’s degree in English. Dick then chose to enlist in the Coast Guard where he spent eight years at multiple locations including San Francisco, New Orleans and Miami. After completing his Coast Guard service, Dick moved to Clear Lake, where he was employed by Opportunity Village for 20 years, working with people with disabilities before moving to Decorah and continuing the same type of work for Goodwill.

Dick’s passion in life was volunteering in animal shelters, serving 17 years at the Humane Society of North Iowa in Mason City followed by 12 years with the Humane Society of Northeast Iowa, until illness forced him to quit. When living in Clear Lake, Dick was active in the Mason City Kennel Club and enjoyed training his Rottweilers and participating in dog shows. Once in Decorah, he focused on cat rescue and rehabilitating difficult dogs. Dick loved his animals and over the years he provided many cats and dogs a safe and loving home.

Dick wrote a book about his experiences through the years. He studied world history throughout his life and remembered an amazing amount of interesting facts that he would share with his friends. Dick was a humble, generous and caring friend who chose a life rich in friendship and service to others instead of material pursuits.

Dick is survived by his cousin, Barbara (Steve) Brunsma, of Greene; and their daughter, Jordan; his cousin, Janice (John) Landry, of Tubac, Ariz. and their daughter, Autumn. He also is survived by his precious friends, Diane and Erik Sondrol of Decorah; his friends, Brad and Peg Davis of Coralville; his friends, Karn and Jon Pankow, of Decorah; and de-facto niece and nephews: Mara Pankow and Jonah Pankow of Decorah, and Ethan Pankow of Marana, Ariz.; along with many other dear friends too numerous to mention here.

Dick was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph and Julia Davenport, of Mason City and Donna Davenport, of Clear Lake.