Rollin George "Swede" Davis, 88, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on October 1, 2026 at the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, California. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, October 13, 2026 at 11:00 am at First Reformed Church in Prairie City. The family will greet friends on Monday, October 12, 2026 from 5:00 - 8:00 pm at First Reformed Church in Prairie City. Swede will be laid to rest on Wednesday, October 14, 2026 at 11:00 am at Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa. Memorials may be directed to the Danish Brotherhood and condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com

Born on June 2, 1938 in Hamlin, Iowa, the twin son (brother, Roger) of John Davis and Eva Peterson, Swede lived his childhood there and eventually graduated from Audubon High School in 1956. He was united in marriage on November 9, 1963 to Marlys Rae Garnett.

Swede and Marlys moved to Prairie City, Iowa in 1970 to raise their family and start the Prairie City branch of Thermogas. Together, they had four kids. Swede was known around town as the man who kept the city's propane tanks full and his customers happy. After Marlys' death in 1978, Swede raised their four children as a solo parent, working persistently to put food on the table and take care of his family. All while being actively involved in the community as a member of the Odd Fellows and Jaycees, as well as a volunteer fireman. Outside of his community work and time at Thermogas, you could find Swede chasing after his kids on three-wheelers, playing a game of cards, or hosting a local pancake feed.

After 35 years at Thermogas, Swede moved to Des Moines in 1996 and proceeded to work for one year at R&R Welding and 10 years at Johnston School District. He also drove semi-trucks for Mail Carriers of Iowa for multiple years before officially retiring at 86 years old.

During his three decades living in Des Moines, Swede enjoyed dancing and spending time with his long-time partner Patty Boot. His Des Moines residence hosted holidays, birthdays and family get-togethers over the years as more grandchildren and great grandchildren were added to his family.

Swede loved watching his grandchildren participate in extra-curricular activities. You could find him in the stands or in the seats of many concerts, sporting events, and theater productions over the years.

Swede valued a strong work ethic, honesty, reliability, and integrity. Above all, Swede will be remembered for how he treated people. If you were lucky enough to hold a conversation with him, he had a way of making you feel like the most important person in the room. He was quick-witted, funny, and smart – and he'd let you know it, too. He had a strong personality, a big smile, and an even bigger heart. He will be missed dearly, but his legacy will carry on through the family and friends he leaves behind.

Left to cherish his memory is his long-time partner Patty Boot; his children Tim (Ann) Davis, Julie (Rick) Bird, Jana (Jim) Nettleton, and Tom (Janice) Davis; his grandchildren Cale (Haley) Davis, Sidney (Sean) Joelson, Hannah Bird, Spencer Bird, Quincy Adli, Gunnar (Kelsey) Davis, Graham (Colin) Davis, Eleigh Davis and Emilyn Davis; his great grandchildren Rett and Baker Joelson, and Bennett and Sutton Davis. Swede was preceded in death by his wife Marlys; his parents John and Eva; his siblings Roger and Patricia.