Leo Joseph Davis

Leo Joseph (Joe) Davis, 95, peacefully passed away on May 31, 2026, in Prospect Heights, Illinois.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Patricia (née Kinsella); his loving children, Diane, Denise (Richard Mack), Mark, Matthew (Jennifer), and Andrew (Amy); and seven grandchildren, whom he adored.

Joe graduated from Trinity High School in Bloomington, Illinois, in 1948. He served two years in the Army during the Korean Conflict. Upon his discharge, he continued his education at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, where he earned a Ph.D. in Psychology. He spent his professional career as a staff psychologist at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. His work led to research being accepted at conferences around the world and took him to China, Europe, South America, Canada, and Mexico.

Joe was a true Renaissance man. He pursued many interests and hobbies throughout his life. An early fascination with flying led him to earn his pilot's license, and he was an early adopter of personal computers. His love of camping and backpacking inspired many family camping trips, including eight visits to Isle Royale. As his children reached driving age, he rebuilt old Volkswagens so they would each have a car of their own.

He was an avid skier, fisherman, golfer, and sailor, and he shared most of these passions with his family. Through sailing, he developed an interest in sail construction and repair. Following his retirement from the Mayo Clinic, he put that knowledge to use by opening a sail loft in Lake City, Minnesota.

Joe was a calm, thoughtful, and deeply loving man with a quick sense of humor. He was nonjudgmental, curious, and always eager to learn. He will be dearly missed by family and friends alike.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe's memory to the Northfield, IL, Food Pantry, or to your local food pantry.

Arrangements entrusted to Chicagoland Cremation Options of Schiller Park, IL