Milton Davidson, 83, died on Monday, July 19, 2004 at Altru Hospital in Grand Forks, ND

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2004 " 2:00 PM at Nazareth Lutheran Church, Holt, MN with Pastor Nancy Hanson officiating. Burial will be in the Holt Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM with a prayer service held at 7:00 PM at the Johnson Funeral Home in Thief River Falls and on Thursday one hour prior to the service in the church.

Milton Perry Davidson was born on October 26, 1920 in Holt Township at his grandparents house, the son of Hilmer and Anna (Sorter) Davidson. He was baptized into the Lutheran Faith, attended Ringbo School in Holt Township, and grew up in East Valley Township.

Milton was united in marriage on August 31, 1946 to Marion Johnson. The couple farmed in the early years of their marriage and in 1950 they purchased the Johnson Family Farm where they continue to reside. In 1958-59, Milton worked for Herb Reese Construction, operating a dragline, during the construction of Highway 59 from Newfolden to Thief River Falls. Milton continued to work in road construction until 1962, when he bought his own well drilling machine and started his own business. He continued drilling wells until his son, Jeff, took over the business in 1990.

Over the years Milton and Marion traveled to all 50 states. It took them only 14 years to accomplish this, from 1968-1982. In 1993, they visited Norway and Sweden and in 2001 they traveled to Hungary and Poland.

Milton was always interested in airplanes and flying. In 1950 he purchased his Aeronca Chief Airplane and got his pilots license in 1951. Milton introduced the Davidson Family to flying and was the first of many Davidson pilots to get his license.

In addition to flying, Milton enjoyed snowmobiling, four-wheeling, fishing at Red Lake, music, reading, traveling, history and politics, and spending time working at Grandmas farm. Miltons greatest love was spending time with his family and friends

Milton is survived by his wife, Marion of Holt, MN; four children: Ronnie (Sharon) Davidson of Holt, MN, Shelvie (Bruce) Anderson of Duluth, MN, Sharon (Steve) Holmstrom of Newfolden, MN and Jeff (Debbie) Davidson of Newfolden, MN; twelve grandchildren: Kevin, Corey, Kim, Christopher, Elizabeth, Meredith, Dustin, Kari, Kate, Tera, Tad and Tori; six great grandchildren: Chelsey, Kayle, Cole, Ashli, Corli and Riley; one brother, Robert (Dolly) Davidson of Thief River Falls, MN; two sisters: Donna (John) Seorum of Bloomington, MN, MN and Annette (Duane) Haukebo of Roseville, MN; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Roald Davidson and Dr. Dale Davidson; one nephew, Dean Davidson; two brothers-in-law: Merle Johnson and Denny Inman.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnsonfuneralservice.net