Bennie Davidson, age 97, of Hettinger, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2016, at the West River Medical Center, with family members at his side. His funeral service will be Monday, March 28, 2016, at 11:00 a.m.at the Bucyrus Lutheran Church in Bucyrus, officiated by the Rev. Mary Peterson. Visitation will be at the church from 9a.m. until the service, which will be followed by fellowship and lunch, also at the church. The afternoon burial, with Full Military Honors afforded by the Johnson-Melary American Legion Post 115 of Hettinger, will be at the Hettinger Cemetery.

Bennie E. Davidson was born June 11, 1918, in Reeder, ND, the youngest of seven children born to David and Gertie (Boli) Davidson. He grew up southwest of Bucyrus and attended a rural school. During WWII, Bennie proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a medic. His numerous medals include two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star. Returning to the Bucyrus area, he and his brother, Herman, began farming together on the land their father had homesteaded. Bennie was a civil air patrol member, and he used his own airplane to deliver mail following winter storms. Bennie served on the Lightning Creek Township Board and on the North Grand and Bucyrus Church Councils. He and his wife, Avis, enjoyed fishing.

Grateful for having shared his life are his two sons, Gary (Diana) Davidson, Seattle, WA, and Lyle Davidson, Fargo, ND, his daughters, Barbara (Alfred) Rose, Hettinger, ND, and Patsy (Dan) Hove, Oakdale, MN, eight grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, his sister-in-law, Ruth Davidson, Fosten, MN, and his special friend, Julie Kvanvig. Bennie was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Avis, his brothers, Milton, Oscar, Glen, and Herman, and his sisters, Ida Baumann and Gladys Davidson.