Donald Matson, age 59, of Gary, Minnesota, died Tuesday, January 15, 2008, in the Palliative Care unit of MeritCare Hospital in Fargo, North Dakota.

Donald James Matson was born February 9, 1948, in Ada, Minnesota, the son of Clarence Gifford and Cora Opal (Gorder) Matson. He grew up on the family farm near Gary. Donald was baptized and confirmed his faith at Ness Lutheran Church near his home. He attended Gary High School graduating with the class of 1966. In 1968, Donald received his Associates Degree in Agriculture Production from the University of Minnesota in Crookston, Minnesota. While attending college he was employed by the Maintenance Department at the University. He then returned home and began farming with his father and Uncle Harry. As a young man, Donald also helped many neighbors by driving potato truck and assisting with farm work. Since 1973, Donald has been operating the family farm with his brother, David.

Donald's life was dedicated to farming and his family. He greatly enjoyed fishing with his brothers and nephews as well as the annual family deer hunting traditions. He was a member of the Singles in Agriculture Organization, the 1968 University of Minnesota Crookston Class Reunion Committee, and has been a lifelong member of Ness Lutheran Church. He was very interested in family genealogy and was an avid fan of country music. Donald was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and friend who was always willing to give a helping hand to those in need. He consistently looked for the good in everyone and will be greatly missed by those who loved him.

He is survived by one brother, David of Gary; a sister-in-law, Sue Matson of Twin Valley; one niece Jessica (Rick) Jacobson of Moorhead; two nephews, Andy (April) Matson of Fargo and Nathan (Angela Hansen) of Moorhead; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins. Donald was preceded in death by his grandparents; parents; and one brother, Allan.

Funeral Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, January 19, 2008, at Ness Lutheran Church, rural Gary. Visitation will be held at the Anderson Funeral Home, Twin Valley, on Friday, January 18, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will also take place one hour prior to the services at the church on Saturday. Officiating will be Pastor John Ahola with Karen Carlsrud serving as organist and Norm Gullingsrud and Debra Dahl serving as vocalists. Pallbearers will be Andy Matson, Nathan Matson, Norman Gunderson, Richard Hamre, Richard Noss, Craig Gorder and Michael Vigum.

Interment will be in Ness Lutheran Cemetery, rural Gary, Minnesota.