Harvey Mathison

Harvey Alvin Mathison, son of Thore and Emma (Erickson) Mathison, was born February 2, 1927 in Synnes Township in Stevens County, Minnesota. He was baptized and later confirmed on November 10, 1940 by Reverend N. C. Renslo at Reque Lutheran Church, rural Alberta. Harvey grew up in the Alberta area, where he attended District #24 County School until the 7th grade and then went to Alberta High School, graduating in 1945. On January 25, 1951, he enlisted in the United States Army, stationed at Fort Riley, Camp Haven, Fort Belvar and Fort McCoy. He received an honorable discharge on January 24, 1953. On March 5, 1955, he was united in marriage to Florence Helberg at Aeneas Lutheran Church, rural Kensington, MN. Following their marriage, the couple moved to Scott Township in Stevens County, where they raised their daughter, Vicky and farmed. They retired from farming in 1995 and moved into Morris in 1997, where they have continued to live since that time.

Harvey was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Alberta, where he served on various boards through the years. He was also a member of the Alberta Wildlife Federation; he was a Scott 4-H Club Leader and a charter member of the Alberta Area Improvement Corporation. Harvey held many offices while a member of the American Legion Post #29, including Club Commander from 1973 to1974. From 1975 to 2005, he served on the Stevens County Fair Board, where he was Swine Superintendent. He also served as Supervisor on the Scott Township Board for 23 years and Frog Lake Cemetery Board for 30 years. He was a seed distributor for Asgrow Seed for over 30 years.

Harvey's hobby was "work". He was always doing something. After his retirement from farming, he spent countless hours painting buildings at the Stevens County Fairgrounds. He painted the caboose at Vicky's and spent hours gardening at home and at Vicky's. He was always taking fresh garden produce to many residents in Morris.

Harvey traveled to Norway on five different occasions. His relatives in Norway were all very special to him. His last trip to Norway was in March of 2007. Harvey was very proud of his twin grandsons. He never missed an opportunity to attend a concert, musical, 4-H event, baseball, basketball, or football event. He was their biggest fan and looked forward to seeing the boys graduate in 2008.

Harvey died on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at the Courage Cottage in Morris, having lived to reach the age of 80 years.

He is survived by his wife: Florence "Flossie" Mathison of Morris; daughter: Vicky Dosdall (and special friend: Dean Struck) of Morris; twin grandsons: Thore and Tallack Dosdall of Morris; three brothers: Merle Mathison of Lakeshore, Glen Mathison of Annandale and Delroy "Pete" (Liz) Mathison of Detroit Lakes; one sister: Evelyn "Evie" Raasch of Morris; 11 1st cousins in Norway and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents and one infant brother.

Pallbearers for the service are: Thore Dosdall, Tallack Dosdall, David Raasch, Larry Mathison, John Terwilliger, Loren Mathison and Mark Erickson. Honorary pallbearers are: Quinten Sorenson, Raymond Sorenson, Courtland Swenson, Ronald Jacobson, Steve Staples, Ronald Staples, LuDean Bruer, Dan Eystad, Maurice Holslin, Don Tolifson, Lynn Farwell, John Schultz, James Erickson, James Raasch, Rick Fagereng, Dan Helberg and Dave Lonergan. Audrey Erickson will serve as organist for the service with Thore Dosdall serving as soloist. Audrey Anderson, Lois Gantries, Courtland Swenson, Karna Swenson and Doug Stock will provide special music for the service. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.