Irene Mathison

Irene Louise Mathison, age 92, of Ortonville, MN, died on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Northridge Residence in Ortonville.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at St. John's Catholic Church in Ortonville with Fr. Brian Oestreich officiating. Burial will follow in Mound Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Friday evening from 5-7 p.m. at St. John's Catholic Church and will continue for one hour prior to the time of service at the church on Saturday.

Irene Louise Mathison was born on June 18, 1924, to parents Hubert and Elsie (Vogelbacher) Karels. The family farmed near Rosen, Minnesota. As a child, Irene begged her parents to go to high school and despite the financial hardship, they consented. She went on to receive her teaching certificate and taught in a one-room school house for several years. Irene met Orlend Mathison at a dance in Graceville, Minnesota. Two years later, on June 5, 1945, they were married in Rosen, MN at St. Joseph's Catholic Church. The couple enjoyed dancing and fishing together. Several times a week they could be found playing cards with friends or family. Together they raised eight children: Curt, Mary, Jim, Terry, Debbie, Brenda, Joy, and Brian. Irene and Orlend spent sixty-two loving years together prior to his passing on July 12, 2007.

After their marriage, Irene and Orlend farmed together for many years. While Orlend worked in the fields and with the livestock, Irene dedicated her life to supporting her husband and raising, feeding, and clothing her children. She did this and still found time to care for others. Irene's faith and Christian values quietly guided her entire life. In her service for others she directed and taught catechism at St. John's for many years. She was a lector and Eucharistic minister, and served on the Church Board, the Women's Circle and Bowl of Love. Irene also distributed communion to the Catholic residents at Northridge and would regularly read to the residents.

When Irene and Orlend retired from farming, they moved to their home on the shores of Big Stone Lake. For nineteen years, they enjoyed sharing their love and their lives with family and friends. Whether they were fishing, boating, playing cards or watching the sunsets, their children and grandchildren were central to their lives. Irene unquestioningly loved and supported her children throughout their lives. All of her children and grandchildren knew the words "I love you more" would be a part of their farewell ritual.

Irene passed away on Sunday morning, September 11, 2016, at Ortonville Area Health Services in Ortonville, Minnesota. She is missed today and all days to come. Rest in peace.

Irene is preceded in death by her husband, Orlend Mathison; brothers: Norbert Karels and Edward Karels; and sisters: Florence Ulrich, Mildred Yatckoske, Sylvia Croatt, and Ann Lund. Irene is survived by her eight children: Curt (Linda) Mathison of Spooner, WI; Mary (Allan) Karels of Sargent, TX; Jim (Kathie) Mathison of Midland, TX; Terry Freeman of Eagan, MN; Debbie (George) Peterson of Canby, MN; Brenda Mathison (Rayla Allison) of Bloomington, MN; Joy Mathison (MaryAnn McArdle) of St. Paul, MN; and Brian (Stacy) Mathison of Dilworth, MN; sixteen grandchildren: Erik Mathison, Jennifer Staves, John Mathison, Gregory Karels, Anthony Karels, Sarah Camarillo, Leah Mathison, Christopher Mathison, Katie Freeman, Beth Moncrief, Matthew Freeman, Carolyn Nelson, Kevin Peterson, Tyler Mathison, Morgan Ellingworth and Alex Mathison; special niece, Vicki Dorry; special "granddaughter" Taniese (Tanny) Meyer and family; twenty-six great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sisters: Mardelle (Ed) Croatt, Mary Lou Croatt, Betty (Bob) Phillips and in-laws Marie Karels and Roger Lund; as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.