Helen Jane (Peterson) Davidson (1923-2017)

DAVIDSON, PETERSON, LANTZ, VETTER, BRAYTON, SHOOK, CHRISTOFFERSON, MORTENSEN, PITTMAN

Posted By: Mark Christian
Date: 5/6/2018 at 09:30:38

From Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care obituary, Ames, Story County, Iowa:

A Celebration of life for Helen and Stan Davidson will be at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, May 3, at Collegiate United Methodist Church, 2622 Lincoln Way in Ames, Iowa. A luncheon will follow.

Helen died in her sleep October 17, 2017 at Northcrest Community at the age of 94. Stan also died at Northcrest on December 14, 2017, surrounded by family, at the age of 99.

Helen Jane Peterson was born May 21, 1923 in Milwaukee, WI, to Ernest and Helen (Lantz) Peterson. She grew up in Marinette, WI. After High school, she came to study at Iowa State College. She graduated from ISC in 1950 with a degree in Home Economics Education.

Stanley Vetter Davidson was born August 12, 1918 in Sherman Township, Iowa to Rexford and Cornelia (Vetter) Davidson. He grew up on farms in Montgomery County, Iowa. After graduating from Wales-Lincoln School, he went to Iowa State College, joining the Adelante fraternity. In 1942 he graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science. He earned a M.S. in Vocational Education in 1952.

They met while both were studying at ISC. After graduation Stan was a County Extension Agent in Southeast Iowa, and then enlisted in the Army Air Corps. They were married March 22, 1944, while Stan was on a short leave. He was soon co-piloting a B-17 Flying Fortress in the European theatre. He survived being shot down while flying over Germany and a German P.O.W. camp before returning home in 1945. After brief R&R, Stan took a County Extension Agent position in Sibley, IA. In 1947 he took a position in the Iowa State Extension office, and they returned to Ames. He worked for 40 years in Youth Extension and after retiring became the director of the 4-H Foundation. Helen worked for several years in the Graduate Student Office at Iowa State University. She was a long-time, active member of Collegiate Methodist Church, Chapter HN of P.E.O. for nearly 75 years, as well as book clubs, bridge clubs, and many other social groups. Stan was also a long-time, active member of the church and after retirement joined Kiwanis.

They are survived by their three children, Jean (John) Brayton, of Ames, Dick (Darla DeHaan) Davidson of Pella, and Bill (Rose) Davidson of Placitas, New Mexico; grandchildren, Heidi (Jonathan) Shook, Matt Davidson, Grant Davidson, Dirk (Courtney) Davidson, Martha (Andrew) Christofferson, and Julene (Thomas) Mortensen; great grandson, Nate Shook. Stan is also survived by a brother, Robert Davidson.

Helen was preceded in death by her parents, and sister, (M.) Jean Pittman. Stan was preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Frances, and four brothers, John Max, Carleton, John Eldon, and Richard.

Internment will be at Arlington National Cemetery, VA. Memorials may be made to Collegiate United Methodist Church, the Iowa 4-H Foundation, Northcrest Retirement Community, or your favorite charity.
Memories and photos can be shared at
www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare/obituaries

The family would like to thank the many caregivers for their loving care.

http://www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com/
 

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