Catherine R. Davis

A loving and gentle woman ended her journey in this life on Mother’s Day, May 12, 2024, at Heritage Court Memory Care in Eau Claire.  Catherine Ruth Davis was born to Paul and Ruth Bjerke November 13, 1945.  She was raised and educated in Eau Claire and was a graduate of Eau Claire Memorial High School and UW-Eau Claire.

She and husband, Bob, met in the summer of 1964 while they were counselors at Camp Manitou.  She literally swept him off his feet when he first saw her and then he proceeded to fall chasing a volleyball!  They were married the following year on June 25, 1965 at Lake Street United Methodist Church in Eau Claire.  That began an almost 59 year wonderful life together.

Her life as an educator began in Bel Air, Maryland and then continued at both Regis High School and North Junior High in Eau Claire.  After taking a 10 year hiatus from teaching, she returned to the Eau Claire Area School District in several capacities which ended with her retirement in 2011 from North Star Middle School.

While in college she was a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma service sorority and was both a member of the Blugold Marching Band and women’s track team.  After college she was a proud 50+ year member of Chapter BE of the PEO Sisterhood.  She was a life-long member of Lake Street United Methodist Church, and as an adult, United Women in Faith and it’s book club.

Catherine loved to serve.  She found great satisfaction in volunteering at the Chippewa Valley Museum.  She absolutely loved being a member of Quilters of the Heart, a group of local quilters who make quilts to be given to those recovering from illness, injury or grief.  She never kept count, but the fabric bill indicated she must have made at least 50 or more quilts.

What she loved:

The 20 years of trips to Canada to fish and enjoy being with the many wonderful friends made there.  (Also, that she often out-fished Bob – yes, she kept the count!).

The flight of a hummingbird

The freedom and beauty of a butterfly

The magic of a dragon fly

The peaceful beauty of Trillium in the Spring

The peace, quiet and enjoyment of a good mystery

Working in her flower garden

A doe with her newborn fawn

What she didn’t like:

Those pesky squirrels robbing her bird feeders

Those beautiful deer, stopping in her garden for lunch

Those bothersome mosquitoes

Catherine was a humble, yet proud person who accepted all and judged no one.  She will be missed!

She is survived by her husband, Bob, and children Paul (Lisa), Andrea (Hannah) and Caryn, along with her granddaughter, Janee’ and step grandchildren, Zoey, Karter and Octavia.  Further surviving are brothers Steve (Delores), Peter (Lynn Trenda) and Tom (Laurie), sister-in-law Diane and many nieces and nephews.

Our family is deeply grateful for the wonderfully kind and loving care Catherine received at Heritage Court Memory Care – they are truly a very special group.  Also, heartfelt thanks to the staff of St. Croix Hospice who also made her journey easier.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 12 PM at Lake Street United Methodist Church, 337 Lake Street, Eau Claire, WI 54703 with Pastor Jen Barnett officiating.  Memorial visitation will be held that day at the church from 10 AM until time of service. 

In lieu of flowers please make donations to Continuing Education Fund, care of Chapter BE and send to Susan Schomburg, E2933 James Lane, Eau Claire, WI 54703, or to a charity of your choice in her memory.

Friends and family may offer condolences online at www.hulkefamilyfh.com.

Hulke Family Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 3209 Rudolph Road, Eau Claire, WI 54701 is assisting the family with the arrangements.   

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