Merritt Lyle Davis Jr.

Merritt Lyle Davis Jr., affectionately known as “Pa” by his loved ones, of Cleveland, passed away unexpectedly of natural causes on Friday, September 5, 2025, at Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato at the age of 81.

Born on June 5, 1944, in St. Peter, MN, Lyle was the son of Merritt Lyle Sr. and Lorraine (Chadderdon) Davis. He grew up in rural Cleveland and graduated from Cleveland High School with the Class of 1962. Following his education, Lyle enlisted in the United States Army. While he was stationed in Augsburg, Germany, he met his lifelong partner and wife Gisela Maiberger. Lyle and Gisela were united in marriage on September 5, 1967, in Germany. Lyle, Gisela and her daughter Petra made their way back to the United States and eventually made Cleveland their forever home.

Lyle worked alongside his father hauling hogs for area farmers and eventually owned and operated Davis Trucking until his health no longer allowed. Aside from his love for hauling livestock, he was a man that liked to stay busy. Therefore, a lot of his free time was spent tending to his yard and garden. A master vegetable gardener, Lyle took pride in growing food to share with friends and family. Lyle enjoyed canning his produce and cooking, especially making delicious hearty soups. He was always finding ways to add his personal touch on the outside of their home and yard. In the winter months, especially at Christmas— his love for decorating was well known throughout the community. His elaborate holiday displays brought joy to many. Throughout the rest of the year, you could find a wide range of yard displays coordinating with each season. In addition to that, he and Gisela shared the hobby of creating lawn ornaments for sale as a small side gig.

An animal lover, Lyle had a special affection for his dogs. His late dogs, Snickers and Parker often rode with him in his semi truck. Missy was his most recent companion these last few years as his life slowed down. He was a well-known resident of Cleveland and cherished his mornings spent having coffee with his crew in town. Lyle had a gift for making friends wherever he went. Even as his health declined, he remained positive and was known for giving fist bumps “knucks” to everyone he met, especially his nurses. He will be remembered as a hardworking man with a loving heart who deeply cared for his family.

Lyle is survived by his children, Petra Maiberger, Werner (Nadja) Barthman; grandchildren, Nicole, Jesse, Melanie, Eii Leen, and Michael; great-grandchildren, Savannah, Brielle, Wyatt, as well as four great grandchild in Germany; siblings, Carolyn Ritz, Richard (Nancy) Davis, Donna Brown, and Terry (Patrice) Davis; brother-in-law, William Matejcek; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife, Gisela; sister, Bette Matejcek; and his brother-in-law, Maurice Ritz.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the Church of the Nativity in Cleveland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Cleveland. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.