Obituary Detail


Lee C. Matson - 87
10/21/1922 - 4/15/2010

Walnut - Lee Charles Matson, age 87 of 510 8th Street Princeton, Illinois and formerly of Van Orin, Illinois died on Thursday April 15, 2010 at Liberty Village in Princeton, Illinois.
He was born on October 21, 1922 in Kasbeer, Illinois, the son of Andrew R. and Abbie (Paden) Matson. Lee was united in marriage to Norma L. Damon on June 19, 1945 in Princeton, Illinois while home on leave from the service. During World War II he joined the United States Coast Guard where he served on the USS Samuel Chase. He participated in invasions at Sicily, Salerno Italy, South France and the South Pacific. The most memorable to him was the Invasion of Normandy and he was proud to have served his country. He worked for Champion Pneumatics as a machine operator for 25 years. He was a member of the Van Orin Gospel Church where he served as Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and Youth Director and also volunteered at Kids’ Klub Inc. He loved spending time with family and friends and will always be remembered for his quick wit and loving smile.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years Norma , four daughters Judy (Edward) Totten of Rockford, Illinois, Catherine (John) Cross of Mendota, Illinois, Rebecca (Charles) Ultch of LaMoille, Illinois; Susan (Glenn) Fencl of St. Charles, Illinois; nine grandchildren Jeff Totten, Jason Totten, Adam (Amanda) Cross, Melissa (Neil) Johnson, Jennifer Ultch, Brenda Ultch, Nathan Ultch, Miranda Fencl, Marissa Fencl; two great grandchildren; Aloshia Cross and Emerson Cross; three nieces Karen Kandl, Jayne Stock, Julie Phillips and one nephew Charles Jones.
He was preceded in death by his parents, one infant son Dennis, and one sister Sue.

Funeral services will be conducted on Monday 11 a.m. at the Bache Chapel in Van Orin, Illinois with the Rev. William Ultch, Rev. William Haas, and Rev. Rene Noble, pastors officiating. Burial will be in Van Orin Repose Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bache Chapel in Van Orin. A MEMORIAL HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED IN HIS MEMORY TO KIDS’ KLUB INC. AND ILLINOIS VALLEY HOSPICE. Arrangements were completed by Garland Funeral Home in Walnut. Condolences may be sent to: www.garlandfuneralhome.com.

Visitation:
Visitation will be held on Sunday from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Bache Chapel in Van Orin.

Service:
Funeral services will be conducted on Monday 11 a.m. at the Bache Chapel in Van Orin, Illinois

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Visitor Comments
Having known, grown-up with, worshiped with, and loved the entire MATSON family, we regret the loss of Lee Charles from this world. However, his strong faith assured us that he had a HOME prepared for him, and was ready to meet his Master following this latest bout with poor health. As he was able to rebound several times from health challenges--we were able to enjoy many added years to one's normal life-expectancy! What a privilege it was to know and fellowship with his keen mind and yearn for knowing and going! We shall miss the uplifting conversations and the rich history he brought out to us all. May God uplift 'devoted wife and care-giver-- Norma', Judy, Cathy, Becky, & Susan and their families! Let us look forward to the Hope of seeing him in Heaven someday. Love and Prayers----Bill and Marilyn HAAS & Jo Lind
Bill and Marilyn HAAS
4/16/2010 8:29 PM
 
Dear Norma, Judy, Cathy, Becky and Susan and families, Mom just told me about Lee, and I am so sorry to hear of your loss. My fondest memories of Lee was that he had the warmest smile and was such a gentle man. I spent many a night at your house, and Lee always treated me like another one of his "girls", and you all had such a strong love and respect for him. I know you will all miss him terribly, but I pray that you will take great comfort in knowing that you will see him again one day in the glories of Heaven. I feel sure that my dad was there at his welcome home reunion, and that they are having the greatest time catching up! But most of all, I know that Lee is now with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom he served all the days of his life. Your family will be in my prayers in the days and weeks to come as you travel this difficult road. May God give you comfort. I love you all!! Dee
Dianna "Dee" Engel Wolfe
4/18/2010 8:46 PM
 
Dear Norma and all: I was so sad to see this message of Lee's passing yet suddenly all those fond memories of many days ago, and our wonderful time together as our families would get together after church on Sunday nights. Lee was always there with his smile which made everyone smile in his presence. And his funny jokes. He always had a great sense of humor. Even in his later days, I remember joining you for lunch in Princeton and with the added walking aids, his sense of humor still remained. He was always a delight to be around. Knowing he is now in the presence of the Lord and with those who have gone before him, we thank God for the 87 wonderful years that He gave to him. our thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family through this time of loss. God bless you all, Love, Lois
Lois (Engel) Dixon
4/19/2010 6:58 AM
 
Your all on our Minds & Prayers.
Tim / Jana and Nathan Ansteth
4/20/2010 11:22 AM
 

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