Merle Davis

Merle Alan Davis, 64, of Madelia died on March 11, 2025, at Regency Hospital in Golden Valley.
Visitation will be Friday, March 21, from 4–8 p.m. at Sturm Funeral Home, St. James Chapel, and will continue on Saturday from 9–10 a.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Madelia.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Madelia, on Saturday, March 22, at 10 a.m.
The clergy will be Fr. Timothy Hall. Interment will be at Calvary Cemetery in Madelia.
Arrangements are with the Sturm Funeral Home in Madelia. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.sturmfh.com.
Merle Alan Davis was born in Madelia on March 30, 1960, to Donald and Marlene (Zellmer) Davis. He was a graduate of Truman High School Class of 1979. On May 21, 1982, Merle married Bonnie Sturm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Madelia. After their marriage, the couple lived in Madelia for 10 years and had two children, Jeff and Megan, before moving to their farm in Lewisville in 1993. Merle and Bonnie completely renovated the farmhouse and lived there happily for 34 years. Merle worked at various jobs before running a power washing business, assisting in cleaning barns at area farms. After 17 years in power washing, he began his work as a truck driver. Merle was very outgoing, helpful and made friends easily. He enjoyed helping others and kept busy doing mechanic work and helping fix things for others. He enjoyed the outdoors, loved animals and often could be seen driving around with his dog, Abby. Merle had derby cars for 17 years and also loved riding his motorcycle and later riding his son Jeff’s Harley Davidson. Merle will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather who cherished his time creating memories with his family.
Merle is survived by his wife, Bonnie Davis; son, Jeff (Missy) Davis; daughter, Megan (Colter) Lenz; mother, Marlene Davis; siblings, Terry (Sharon) Davis, Lynn Blanchard, Jay (Lisa) Davis, Brent (Christy) Davis, Lori Davis, Rick (Terresa) Davis and Doyle Davis; sister-in-law, Laura Davis; grandchildren, Hayden, Payton, Madison, Aaleah, Kasen, Grayson and Benson; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Davis; brother, Craig Davis; nephew, Chris Holm; niece, Rebecca Spidahl; brothers-in-law, Mark Blanchard, Todd Heckman; sister-in-law, Judi Davis; and parents-in-law, Ervin and Margaret Sturm.