"My first contact with Stan was in the early 1950s when I had a demonstration at the Iowa State Fair. After that there were limited contacts during my student years at Iowa State and later during my 4 years of employment in Ames. My most significant contact was through the IFYE program in 1956...Stan provided the oversight and guidance both before and after that experience. Later, when I joined the Extension staff in 1975, I had frequent contacts with Stan through the State 4-H Office and the 4-H Foundation. I never had the privilege of meeting Helen or their kids. However, I held Stan in high regard for his warmth, friendship, humility, integrity and wisdom. He was one I always looked up to. He had significant impact on the lives of many, as my own life testifies. Tracy Remy"
In loving memory of
Helen & Stanley Davidson
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 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.
Tributes
"Dick sorry for your lost. Never easy I remember in 1975 thanksgiving weekend and I decided to stay at Ames to work on my research. You and your parents were kind enough to invite me over for thanksgiving dinner. Great couple like my parents. Humble and warm. Glad God made our paths cross. Lou Filosa"
"I have very fond memories of both Stanley and Helen, and was honored to be able to get to know them better during my undergraduate college years at ISU. They would often invite me, or me and my wife, for a home-cooked dinner at their home during our time there, and we would enjoy fine food and conversation. They were the most gracious of hosts! It was comforting to have family so close while I was away at college. I know they extended the same hospitality with many in the university community as well, oftentimes inviting international students for meals or social events. I was happy to keep in touch with them after I moved away from Ames, and after they moved away from their home into their apartment community. They were special people that made a difference to so many, and will be missed. "
"They were a wonderful couple! I did Helen?s hair for many years! I enjoyed her so very much!??"