Obituaries

Andrew D. "Andy" Davis

August 13, 1954 - January 06, 2023

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Obituary For Andrew D. "Andy" Davis

Andrew D. “Andy” Davis of Verona, Wisconsin, passed away on Friday morning, January 6, 2023 following a 1 ½ year battle with prostate cancer. He fought courageously and never lost his positive attitude despite the challenges. He passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Born on August 13, 1954 in Richland Center, WI, Andy was the youngest of Mary M. Dorgan and Charles K. Davis’s 7 children. The family moved to Kenosha, WI in 1960. Andy attended St. Mark’s school (where his mom was a long-time 1st grade teacher), St. Joe’s (9th grade) and graduated from Tremper HS in 1972. He was voted the most outstanding math student of his 800 member graduating class, an honor he remained proud of all his life. He met his future wife Rita Schultz in the Tremper band room where she played the bassoon and he played the French horn.

Andy attended UW-Parkside for two years majoring in math before changing majors & transferring to UW-Madison. He graduated with a BBA - Actuarial Science in May, 1977. On June 25, 1977, he married his high school sweetheart Rita and the pair moved to Indianapolis, IN where Andy began his actuarial career at American United Life Insurance Company (AUL). He spent four years with AUL where his favorite memories included playing Santa Claus at the company holiday party and contributing a memorable weekly saying to the AUL sign board “When the chips are down, the buffalo move on”.

In Fall, 1977, Andy joined the Indianapolis Jaycees, a young men’s volunteer network. He played a major role in organizing & running the group’s “America 204” celebration in 1980 - a huge 3-day music, food & fireworks festival honoring America’s 204th birthday in downtown Indianapolis. This experience came in handy in later years when he used the America 204 event as a template for Brat Fest.

While Andy enjoyed the people he worked with at AUL, he came to realize that sitting at a desk all day crunching numbers and working on mortality tables wasn’t for him. He was too much of a “people” person. He & Rita also missed Wisconsin, so together they moved back to Madison where Andy began working as a financial advisor for what was then IDS Financial Services. It was here that Andy found his true passion. He quickly moved from an individual advisor to a district manager to a division manager, and from there to a division vice president (DVP) where he found himself in charge of numerous IDS/Ameriprise financial planning offices across multiple states. Unfortunately, being a DVP precluded him from working face-to-face with clients, something he came to miss greatly. In the early 2000s, he stepped back into an advisor role and became an equal partner with the newly-created Jahn Kruschke Davis team. The team bought out Mary Kruschke, acquired additional offices in Reedsburg, Richland Center, Janesville and Rockton, IL and evolved into the Capital Wealth Advisory Group, a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial.

Andy’s Jaycee connections continued when he moved back to Madison. He served as chairman of the “Wisconsin Torch Run” - part of the Badger State Games in 1984. He obtained actual Olympic torches which were used by countless people who ran throughout the State bringing the Olympic spirit to many.

By mid 2017 Andy came to realize that the goals & vision of others in CWAG conflicted with his, preventing him from serving his clients the way he felt was best. In August, 2017 Andy left CWAG and began Remagiment Advisors, still under the Ameriprise umbrella. By early 2021 Andy felt the affiliation with Ameriprise was no longer the best option to serve his clients so in Feb. 2021 Remagiment switched to Commonwealth. It marked the end of his 40-year career with IDS/American Express Financial Advisors/Ameriprise Financial Advisors where he’d served on many committees and received numerous accolades for his innovative work with “complex teams”.

Like other great literary geniuses - Lewis Carroll, Shakespeare and Dr. Suess - Andy liked to make up his own words, including the name of his new financial practice. Remagiment, a term coined and trademarked by Andy himself, is the process of reimagining your life, particularly at major milestones like retirement or buying a first home. Andy was always the guide on the side, encouraging everyone around him to become the best versions of themselves. Clients and friends remember his advice to NOT “slaughter chickens” but rather, “spend the eggs”.

Andy’s propensity for offering guidance and support led him to write and publish a series of books. Charlie’s Journey, a leadership fable, is a three book series following a young man named Charlie as he moves into leadership roles within his company. Andy also wrote and published The Fulfilling Aging Plan to explore the concerns, issues and opportunities we face as we age, while understanding your identities and purposes, and where they come from. All funds raised from selling his books are donated directly to the nonprofit organization Andy founded: The Madison Youth Performing Arts Foundation (MYPAF).

Living in Madison, the home of the world-famous Madison Scouts Drum & Bugle Corps, gave Andy and Rita the opportunity to serve as “American Parents” to numerous young people aged 16-21 who came here from Japan, Thailand, England, the Netherlands, and many parts of the US to march with the corps. Their house was filled with the constant sounds of drums and horns, and the lawn in their backyard was worn thin by colorguard members practicing with rifles and flags. The Easter Bunny had to work extra hard to hide nine or more baskets every Easter Sunday for corps kids to find. Andy spent many summer weeks driving a corps bus thousands of miles as the group toured and competed across the country. It was also common to find him playing his French horn right along with the corps members as they practiced. In later years the Davis house extended its hospitality to corps members from Southwind (Kentucky), Dutch Boy (Kitchner, Ontario), and Capital Sound. The state of Kentucky awarded him the honorary title of “Kentucky Colonel” for his work with Southwind.

Andy served on the Board of Directors for the Madison Scouts for many years. He worked as Executive Director during the difficult 2004-2005 season, where he was instrumental in helping keep the group afloat financially when they were in danger of folding.

To help with the corps fundraising effort, Andy established the nonprofit organization MYPAF (Madison Youth Performing Arts Foundation) in 2004. Since that time it has evolved into a major fundraising vehicle for numerous nonprofit organizations, community initiatives, and youth performing arts and sports groups in Wisconsin and Illinois.

One of MYPAF’s biggest and most involved projects was its partnership with the World’s Largest Brat Fest in Madison, WI. Andy met Tim Metcalfe of Brat Fest and Metcalfe’s Markets in 2005 and asked if he could bring the Madison Scouts to Brat Fest as a way to introduce the corps to the city. Tim was dubious, but agreed. By 2015, Andy and Tim’s partnership transformed Brat Fest into the largest free music festival in the country and together with their team they have facilitated the donation of over $1 million dollars to more than 200 local charities and nonprofits. Andy’s work with Brat Fest led to him receiving the Tradition of Music Award in 2015. Andy spent every Memorial Day Weekend since 2005 helping to make Brat Fest as successful as possible. He even worked all three days this past Memorial Day Weekend despite the fatigue he had while undergoing the brutal chemo treatments. Seeing his smile and energy while he did his usual “Brat Fest” thing was awesome. He told everyone he “felt he was home”.

Andy also found time to coach his son Chad’s hockey team for several years and to perform proudly in the “I’m Too Sexy” parent dance routine at Nicki’s Kehl dance recital.

A chance meeting, through a WHA fundraising auction, introduced Andy to Barry and Patti Levenson, the creators of the National Mustard Museum. This relationship blossomed into a long-time personal friendship as well as Andy becoming an ongoing supporter of the nonprofit museum. In lieu of flowers, please consider supporting Andy’s final fundraising project for the revitalization (and remagiment) of the Mustard Museum. Please use this link to donate: https://givebutter.com/3Mdf0b.

Andy is survived by his wife Rita Davis (Schultz) of Verona, Wisconsin, daughter Nicki (Chris) Young of Brooklyn, Wisconsin, son Chad Davis (friend Miles Tschorz) of Detroit, Michigan, “son” Chewy (Yulia) Suzuki and their children Sofia and Kota of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and “son” Tyler Pollock and his daughter Tyasiah of Madison, Wisconsin. He’s also survived by brothers Dick (Sue) Davis of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and Ken (Lavonne) Davis of Muskego, Wisconsin, sisters Edie (BJ) Shannon of Scottsdale, Arizona and Ginny (Ed) Scruggs of Alpharetta, Georgia. Additionally, he’s survived by his mother-in-law Sylvia (Wilson) Shierk of Kenosha, WI, and many wonderful nieces, nephews, countless friends, and our special drum corps “kids” worldwide. He was preceded in death by his father Charles (Chick), mother Mary, brother Bill, sister Mary Ellen Burke, and nephew Darren Burke.

To our wonderful husband, father, uncle, co-worker and friend - we will miss your enthusiastic spirit, generosity, and visionary outlook. We’ll miss your cheering for the Badgers and Packers and grumbling about losing the football pool. We’ll miss hearing your highly animated voice reading “The Sneazle” with great enthusiasm. Andy wanted all of us to remember “you are the lighthouse in someone else’s storm” and to always strive to create infinities that will continue on long after we’re gone. Andy - MYNWA (may you never walk alone).

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at Nakoma Golf Club, 4145 Country Club Drive, Madison, WI 53711. Visitation will be held from 1:30 to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday at Nakoma.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Services

14 Jan

Visitation

01:30 PM - 03:00 AM

Nakoma Golf Club 4145 Country Club Drive Madison, WI 53711 Get Directions »
14 Jan

Memorial Service

03:00 PM

Nakoma Golf Club 4145 Country Club Drive Madison, WI 53711 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • January 18, 2023

    On behalf of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, the Order offers its deepest condolences and is proud of a life well lived by Colonel Davis. Sherry Crose, Executive Director Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels

  • January 15, 2023

    So sorry to hear of Andy's passing. He was a true gentleman and a good friend to the Rockton Township Historical Society. He will be missed. Marilyn Mohring RTHS President

  • January 14, 2023

    Rita and Family - I was caught off guard when I saw Andy's name in the obituaries. He was definitely a good man. We worked together through the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corp Foundation and then the Madison Youth Performing Arts Foundation. He was the president and I the treasurer. I remember going door to door with him at Greenway Station and State street businesses soliciting donations for the foundation. He introduced me to sushi at one of the state street businesses. One of many great memories. It's those simple memories that keep people alive in our hearts forever. My thoughts and love are with you.

  • January 14, 2023

    Dear Rita,Nicky,Chad and family: our deepest sympathy for the loss of Andy! I was with Andy in a few math classes at Tremper . If I recall one class was probability and statistics with Mr Nye. I recall most math teachers had discussed numbers but also "infinity" was always seemed to be in one equasion or another! Andy had really picked up on the infinity aspect as his thoughts and business practices! I only wish I could have gotten to reacquaint with Andy in our younger days as I played racquetball and I also drive a Zamboni for my part time job! I I also recall buying clothes at Isermans downtown Kenosha when Andy had worked there during high school! I always enjoyed talking to him in our brief time together. Peace and God be with you during this difficult time.

  • January 13, 2023

    We are very sorry for your family's loss. Andy brought me into IDS and I have been grateful for that ever since. I appreciate everything he did for me and many others feel the same. He has been very impactful in many people's lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with your entire family.

  • January 13, 2023

    Dear Rita and family, I'm so sorry to read this, it breaks my heart. I have so many fond and crazy memories with Andy and hockey but I two always stands out. First was the day he let the boys drive the Go Carts around the parking lot at his office. The excitement on his face just beamed. He loved sharing that moment with them. The second is when he started the parents learning to play hockey group. This was also something he was really excited about. It was so special because he invited me. He seemed to understand that I was dad and mom for Zach and wanted to include me with the other dads. It meant so much to me. Andy will always have a special place in our hearts as part of our hockey family. I wish I was in Wisconsin to give you hugs but please know I'm thinking of you. Tammy Fish

  • January 12, 2023

    My condolences on your loss. In our younger days at Ameriprise Andy and I were managers together. He invited me to a racquetball match and I thought I was pretty good. Needless to say but he had me running all over the court while he stood in one spot. He surprised me with his athletic ability. I knew he was a great leader but I didn't know he was a great athlete. Remember .... Be good to yourself Mark Karpfinger

  • January 12, 2023

    RITA & FAMILY, SORRY TO HEAR OF ANDY'S ILLNESS AND PASSING. MUCH TOO YOUNG! OUR THOUGHTS & PRAYERS ARE WITH YOUR FAMILY!

  • January 11, 2023

    Rita and Family. Sorry to hear about Andy's passing at way too young an age. I have none Andy since 1983 or so. His guidance on financial matters as his client that has led to a prosperous retirement. He and Stan allowing me to become an advisor in their practice also was a turning point in my life. He had a relentless optimism that he willingly transferred to others Jim Kleinschmidt

  • January 11, 2023

    I served on the Madison Scouts Board of Directors with Andy for a number of years. He was smart, witty and passionate about the things with which he was involved. RIP, Andy. - Dennis Spurlin

  • January 11, 2023

    Dear Rita and family. I am sorry to hear of Andy's passing. So many our age have passed too soon. I worked with Rita when we were "ticket girls" in the little outside cashier's booth at the Orpheum theatre in Kenosha while we were in high school back in the early 1970's. I met Andy when he came to pick Rita up and remember him as a smart, "people guy". We lost track over the years but every time I drive by Rita's family home on the corner of ? 6th Ave. by Baker Park, I always wondered what happened to Rita....My sympathies to you and your family Rita.

  • January 11, 2023

    To Rita and the family of Andy Davis My sincerest sympathies on the passing of Andy and the loss you are feeling at this time. Andy was a sparkplug and go-getter from the first time I had the privilege of meeting him in the early 80's through our Madison Jaycee organization. After reading Andy's obituary, I regret that I didn't keep up an ongoing relationship with him and your family. May God comfort you in this trying time.

  • January 11, 2023

    Very shocked to learn of Andy's death and want to share our sympathy to Rita and family. I knew Andy when he was just a lad growing up in Richland Center. We lived about 1/2 block from the Davis family. Many years passed and he once again entered my life through Capital Wealth Advisory Group here in RC. He was a "bigger than life" kind of guy. Very sincere. Very involved. Very energetic. Our thoughts are with you all.

  • January 11, 2023

    Rita and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Andy's recent struggles with Cancer as well has his passing. He was a generous man and will always be thankful for the guidance he provided my parents over the years as well as the opportunity to learn the business back in the day. May you find comfort in that he has impacted so many people over the years and that he will continue to guide you in the future. Sending prayers and blessings. Kelley McKenna Lawrenz

  • January 10, 2023

    So very sorry for your loss of this wild and crazy man. He was one of a kind.

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