Willie Matson, 88, of Ulen, MN, died Monday, September 8, 2014, at home with his family.

Willie Verne was born at home on June 27, 1926, to John and Gida (Hilde) Matson. He grew up and attended country school in Hagen Township. He was baptized and confirmed in his faith at Jevnaker Lutheran Church. At the young age of eight, he went to live with his grandma where he helped to care for his invalid uncle. Upon leaving there, Willie worked for various farmers in the area. At age 15, he worked for Art and Martha Sorenson, helping with the daily farm chores. In 1945, Willie entered the United States Army and following his honorable discharge, returned to the Ulen area.

On July 2, 1947, Willie was united in marriage to Joyce Gwin and they lived in Ulen Township. What began with a pasture, they built into the farmstead it is today. Willie constructed every building and they raised chickens and cattle. Willie also baled hay and began a partnership hauling hay with Walt Oren. Willie and Joyce farmed until their retirement in the early 1980's.

Willie enjoyed hunting, fishing, playing pool, whist and woodworking. He had a passion for weather watching, Rollag WMSTR, and anything Norwegian. He and Joyce often traveled in the winters, taking trips to places including Norway, Hawaii and Alaska. Willie loved spending time with his family, and treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Willie served on the Jevnaker Cemetery Board, Bethlehem Church Council, Tri-County Elevator Board, and was a life member of the Ulen VFW.

Willie was strong willed and worked hard. He had a wonderful sense of humor and a big heart. He will be greatly missed by all.

Surviving Willie is his wife of 67 years, Joyce, Ulen; three daughters: Doris (Jim) Thompson, Wheatland, ND, Carol Hilleren, Moorhead, MN, and Nancy (Rocky) Burnside, Ulen; three sons: Kenneth (Diane) Matson, Twin Valley, Philip (Arlys) Matson, Ulen, and Clayton (Vicky) Matson West Fargo, ND; 15 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Adeline (Joseph) Gwin, Coon Rapids, MN, and Loretta Braseth, Ulen; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a grandson, Jordan Matson; three brothers, Armand, Myron and infant, Jerome; two sisters, Levina Syverson and infant Adeline.

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, September 13, 2014, at 10:00 a.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Ulen. Visitation was Friday, September 12th, from 5-7 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. at Bethlehem Lutheran Church and one hour prior to the service. Officiating was Pastor Mike Rueckert with Carol Lockhart serving as organist and Christina Simon and Jim Thompson providing special music. Pallbearers were Kelly Thompson, Jessy Burnside, Billy Burnside, Cody Matson, Kim Syverson, Randal Gwin, Patrick Simon and Joey Gullard. Honorary pallbearers were Russell Borgen, Owen Braseth, Jerry Dunham, Orlynn Wang, Jerry Ambuehl, Mark Christianson, Jon Moen and Mitchell Moen. Military honors were provided by the Dilworth, Moorhead and Ulen VFW Post #1223.

Interment took place in North Bethlehem Lutheran Cemetery, Ulen.

The family wishes to express a special gratitude to the Fargo VA, Sanford Home Health, and Hospice of the Red River Valley.