Mathias Peter Neisen, age 83, of Mahnomen, MN, died Saturday, October 01, 2011 at the Mahnomen Health Center Nursing Home.

Mathias "Math" was born February 17, 1928 to John and Ida (Barten) Neisen on the family farm east of Mahnomen. He had two sisters, Agnes, who was 15 years older than him and Lorene who died as an infant. He always said he was very lonely growing up because he had no one at home that was close to his age. Math attended Jesse Country School through the 8th grade then began farming alongside his dad, John, on the family farm. A few years later, Math met the love of his life, Celestine "Sally" Haider. On January 12, 1954 the couple was united in marriage at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN; the same church in which he was baptized, confirmed and received the Holy Eucharist.

Math farmed his entire adult life and continued to help his sons on the farm after his retirement in 1993. In earlier years, he was active in the church and community. He also kept busy with off farm activities like the Mahnomen County ASCS Board; Rosedale Township Board; St. Joseph's Church Board and Trustee; Knights of Columbus (Grand Knight 1981-1982); Mahnomen Lions Club Charter Member (Past President) and the Mahnomen Sportsman's Club. Math enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He also enjoyed having morning coffee with the guys at the Red Apple. He liked playing cards, bowling, making woodworking projects for his children and grandchildren and helping his wife, Sally, make quilts. Math lived on the family farm east of town until entering the Mahnomen Health Center in December of 2008.

Math and Sally loved and raised eight children. Surviving him is his wife of 57 years, Sally, Mahnomen; five daughters: Diane (Allan) Stangel, Twin Valley, MN, Marlene (Steve) Klinkhammer, Mahnomen, Nancy (Del) Grinolds, Erskine, MN, LuAnn (Lyle) Berg, Twin Valley and Michelle (Paul) Benson, Waubun; three sons: John (Pauliann) Neisen, Mike (Brenda) Neisen, and Darrell Neisen, all of Mahnomen; 18 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; four nieces and three nephews. Math was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Lorene, and Agnes Sullivan; brother-in-law, John Sullivan and one nephew, John Sullivan Jr.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, October 5, 2011 at 11 am at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Beaulieu, MN, with Father Tony Fernando officiating. Brenda Sorensen will play the piano and Della Meisinger will lead the music. Special Music will be provided by Stephanie Benson. Serving as pallbearers will be Math's grandsons: Chad Neisen, Lloyd Neisen, Jason Neisen, Chris Stangel, Nathan Klinkhammer, Justin Grinolds, Donald Grinolds, Andy Berg, Travis Benson and Isaac Benson. Honorary bearers include all the grandchildren and great-grandchildren and Mahnomen Knights of Columbus Council #2573.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, October 4th from 5-7 pm with a prayer service and KC Rosary at 7 pm at St. Joseph's Catholic Church and visitation will continue one hour prior to mass at the church.

Burial will be in the St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Beaulieu, MN.