John L. Davidson

John L. Davidson, age 87 of Hastings, died peacefully Thursday, January 24, 2019, at Regina Assisted Living in Hastings, MN. John was born April 6, 1931 in St. Paul, MN to John and Luella (Vanderhoff) Davidson. He was married to Mildred W. Peterson on June 23, 1956 at Como Park Lutheran Church in St. Paul. John played football, track and Baritone in the Hill-Murray Pep Band. The band played throughout the year and recalling playing his Baritone on skates always made him chuckle. John joined the U.S Army from 1951 to 1954 and received Honorable Discharge from his position as Sergeant First Class, Korean War Veteran. He attended the University of Minnesota and received his Bachelors Degree in Civil Engineering. He continued his education; obtaining his PE and was a member of the Minnesota Society of Professional Engineers. John started his Engineering career with Toltz, King, Duvall, Anderson Associates, Inc. ("TKDA") in 1958. In 1968 the family relocated to Hastings when he accepted the position as Hastings City Engineer. He accepted the offer to return to TKDA in 1979 and retired April 1, 1997. John and Millie moved to the house Johns father built in Pillager MN after retirement. Golf, what John fondly referred to as "pasture pool", occupied a lot of John and Millies time. Millie encouraged trips to the YMCA and they both enjoyed being members at Good Shepard Lutheran Church. Traveling was not only something John and Millie did, but it became a part of them; tallying up thousands of miles (by car!) and interesting stories. Their favorite destination was Gulf Shores AL where they snowbirded for several years and developed deep friendships with other birds. John was preceded in death by his parents and wife, Mildred ("Millie") W. Davidson. John is survived by his siblings Eleanor Anderson, Roger Davidson and Patricia Chavez and his children Kim Davidson, Lynn (Stephen) Humbert, and Kelly (Dan) Buvarp; 5 grandchildren Stephanie, Jenna and Christopher Humbert; Daniel (Taylor) and Madison Buvarp, as well as many other relatives and friends. A Memorial Service, officiated by Pastor Doug Duin, will be held at 10:30 am on Tuesday, February 5, 2019 at Our Saviours Lutheran Church in Hastings. A visitation will be held 1 hour prior to that service. Interment will be at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.