Thief River Falls – John Matson, 43, died in rural Thief River Falls on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 18 at Zion Lutheran Church, Thief River Falls, with Rev. John Golv and Rev. Ale Tule officiating. Honorary casket bearers include Jeff Brouse, Nathan Rooney, Dave Sampson, Troy Bates, Ryan Hovet and Derek Joppru.
Visitation will be 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17 (today) at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, with a prayer service at 7 p.m.
John Armond Matson was born on Oct. 6, 1969 to James Thomas and Dianne Judith (Lian) Matson in Thief River Falls. He was baptized and confirmed at Zion Lutheran Church in Thief River Falls. He attended elementary school at Knox Elementary and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1988. During high school, he played hockey and saxophone in the band. He attended the Century College and NDSU.
John lived in Fargo, N.D. for quite a few years beginning in 2000. He spent most of his working life in Fargo. He worked for Great Harvest Bread in Fargo. He also cleaned offices at night for Microsoft in Fargo. He worked as a waiter and chef at the Express Way Inn in Fargo.
He was a devout Christian who had immense faith. He enjoyed listening to KFNW Christian Radio and watching the Good Shepherd on television. He believed in the Lord and studied his bible often and would host bible studies in his home. He did lots of volunteer work while living in Fargo helping people rake their yards and shovel their snow. He was a real craftsman and taught himself stained glass art and did work for restaurants and churches. He coached youth hockey in West Fargo for a few years.
In 2011, he moved home to Thief River Falls and had been working at Nordic Fiberglass in Warren, since that time.
He is survived by his parents Jim and Dianne Matson, Thief River Falls; siblings: Jill (Jeff) Enggren, Mankato, Jeff Matson, Thief River Falls, Jayne (Ken Swanson) Matson, El Paso, Texas and Thief River Falls; grandmother Beverly Lian, Thief River Falls; niece Alicia Rux, Fargo, N.D.; nephew and niece, Jesse and Katie Enggren, Mankato; many aunts and uncles, cousins.
John was preceded in death by grandparents: Armond Lian, Thomas and Anna Matson, and many aunts and uncles.
Family condolences may be sent at www.johnsonfuneralservice.com. A00003B2012OT17 “