John N. Mathson
John Norris Mathson, 84, of Whitehall, completed his earthly journey at home, Friday, June 30, 2023, and left Heaven-bound for the greatest trip of his life!
Born March 25, 1939, to Clarence and Agnes (Norland) Mathson in Whitehall. John attended Daggett School and graduated from Whitehall High School in 1957. He married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ryan, June 6, 1959, and the two enjoyed laughter almost every day of their 64 years together.
John was a hard worker who enjoyed his career in agriculture and inspired many in his family to follow in his footsteps. John and Shirley started Whitehall Ag Service in 1967. The two grew their business until selling it in 2006. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, playing cards, shaking dice, drinking coffee with friends and family and mowing seven acres of lawn on their hobby farm, “God’s Little Acre”, which they purchased in 1962. He also enjoyed traveling with Shirley within the United States and to Europe, Australia, and New Zealand.
John is survived by his wife of 64 years, Shirley; his children and their spouses: Brad (Lisa) Mathson of Hixton, WI, Dawn Mathson of Arden Hills, MN, and Cindy (Todd) Herness of Whitehall, WI, bonus son Luc (Kristel) De Noyette of Brugge, Belgium; his grandchildren: Michael (Kayla) Mathson, Juliette Al, Emily (Daniel) Oates, Kelly Herness, Nathaniel (Jada and family) Aldridge, Levi (Elizabeth and family) Aldridge, Lucy Mathson, Lily Mathson, Daisy Mathson, Luke Mathson, and Annabelle Mathson; his great-grandson, Emerick Oates; family by marriage: Frieda Mathson, Darlyn Mathson, Sharon Mathson, Wallace Ryan, Barb Mathson, and Marc Al; the family dog, Yagi, and many other extended family members and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Agnes Mathson; parents-in-law, Elmer and Florence Ryan; brothers: David Mathson, Robert Mathson, and Richard Mathson; great-grandson, Barrett Aldridge; and family by marriage: Broney and Lucille Manka, Elmer and Theresa Ryan, and Shirley Ryan.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, July 8, 2023, at 12:00 p.m., at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church in Whitehall. Burial followed the service at Lincoln Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer’s Association or volunteering for the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC) would be appreciated.
The family thanks St. Croix Hospice for the excellent care they provided to John and Shirley in their home, the ADRC for providing daily meals with a smile and rides to appointments, and the care provided by staff at Gundersen Tri-County Hospital and Clinic.
