DAVIDSON, Thorald E. Jr. "Ted" 1927-2011

DAVIDSON, KREIMEIER, TOWNSEND, THOMPSON, SWEANEY

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 8/29/2011 at 17:29:04

[Waterloo Courier, Sunday, May 29, 2011]

CEDAR FALLS - Thorald Edward Davidson Jr. "Ted", 83, of Des Moines, formerly of Cedar Falls, died Thursday, May 26, at Scottish Rite Park Health Care Center in Des Moines.

He was born July 23, 1927, in Mason City, son of Dr. Thorald Edward Davidson Sr. and Gertrude Kreimeier. He married Ann Townsend Davidson.

He graduated from Drake University in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving near the end of World War II. Mr. Davidson was secretary of Sac City, Iowa Chamber of Commerce and instrumental in economic development for the state of Iowa in the 1950s when he was appointed by Governor Beardsley to serve as executive director of Iowa Development Commission. He spent 15 years in Cedar Falls as treasurer of Viking Pump Co. Throughout his career he was an advocate for Iowa's youth and schools, serving on the Cedar Falls School Board for nine years and as president of Iowa Association of School Boards before becoming executive director for IASB in 1973, a position he held for 23 years, retiring in 1996. He was president of Friends of the Des Moines Botanical Center, member of board of directors for Iowa Arboretum and president of the Men's Garden Club. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church and Rotary International.

Survived by: his wife; a daughter, Jayne Ann (David) Thompson; two sons, Todd (Carolyn) and Kirby (Amy); six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; a sister, Lois (Robert) Sweaney; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Preceded in death by a grandson, Ryan Davidson.

Memorials in lieu of flowers, may be directed to Friends of the Des Moines Botanical Center, Men's Garden Club of Des Moines, Iowa Arboretum, Russ O'Harra Hosta Society or the American Cancer Society in memory of his grandson, Ryan Davidson.

Services: 11 a.m. Tuesday at Central Presbyterian Church, Des Moines, with public visitation to follow.

He thoroughly enjoyed time with family and was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.