Elizabeth “Liz” Mathison

Monticello, Minn.

Elizabeth “Liz” Rose Mathison passed away peacefully on April 10, 2024, in Monticello, MN. Born to Ida Olga (Myrom) and Amund J. Torgelson on June 10,1938 in Big Bend Township – rural Milan, MN, Liz’s life was a tapestry of love, family, and hospitality.

Liz’s journey began in Milan, where she grew up with her sister, Marian, and parents in rural Milan. She was baptized and confirmed in Big Bend Lutheran Church. After graduation from Milan High School in 1956, she pursued a BS in Secondary Education with a focus on Social Studies and Business Education at Moorhead State University (now MSUM) in Moorhead, MN. It was while at college and spending the weekend with her roommate, Bonnie in Morris, MN that her heart found its counterpart in Delroy “Pete” Mathison at a town dance. She graduated college on June 3, 1960, and Liz and Pete were married on July 30, 1960, in Big Bend Lutheran Church. Their marriage of 62 years was a testament to enduring love. Together, they raised two children: Karen and Larry. She was so proud of them.

Liz beginning teaching in 1960 at the West Central School of Agriculture (WCSA) in Morris, MN and then served as the first secretary for Rodney Briggs, Superintendent of the University of Minnesota, Morris as WCSA phased out. She was immensely proud to have worked at the UM- Morris until 1969 when the family moved to Garrison, ND to support Delroy’s career advancement. It was during this time that Liz spent as a full-time homemaker and was active in the community. Four years later, they would move to Minot, ND followed by a short stint in Shoreview, MN before returning to Minot in 1975 as Delroy’s career continued to expand.

From 1978 to 1987, Liz was the parish secretary for Christ Lutheran Church in Minot, ND. She was active in the criterion bible study club, and church circle. Together with Pete they enjoyed playing bridge regularly with dear friends. In 1987, Liz received her certification as a Parish Secretary by the American Lutheran Church. Liz was active in raising her children in the Lutheran faith, ensuring their homework was complete and encouraged them in music, sports, and theatre. She rarely missed a school performance and loved having Karen and Larry’s friends over anytime.

In fall of 1987, Liz and Pete would move to Detroit Lakes, MN residing on Big Floyd Lake for more than 30 years. Liz was the secretary and bookkeeper at Anglo-American Oil Company in Detroit Lakes, MN. She was active at First Lutheran Church serving on the council and enjoyed being active in circle and volunteering in the church office. Liz was also active as an office volunteer with Hospice of the Red River Valley and the Sons of Norway Chapter #495 as a local and zone officer.

In the fall of 2021, they would move together to Monticello, MN to be closer to their son.

Liz is predeceased by her devoted husband, Delroy, her parents, an infant brother, Charles born still in 1934, sister Marian along with infant grandson, Joshua David.

Liz’s memory is honored by her children, Karen of Moorhead, MN, and Larry (Veronica) of St. Michael, MN, and her grandchildren, Peter and Emma and step grandchildren, Owen, and Izaac. Her brother-in- law, Duane Hanson of Willmar, MN along with many cousins, nieces and nephews and a community of friends.

Services to celebrate Liz’s life will be held on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at 11:30am with visitation starting at 10:30am at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alberta, MN. Burial will be at Frog Lake Cemetery immediately with lunch to follow in the fellowship hall. Black was never her thing, so please wear color!

Memorials can be directed to the First Lutheran Church of Detroit Lakes, MN Parish Nurse and Radio Ministry, the University of Minnesota – Morris, or the Alzheimer’s Association using the links below.

Memorials can be directed to the First Lutheran Church of Detroit Lakes @ https://flcdl.breezechms.com/give/online MN Parish Nurse and Radio Ministry, the University of Minnesota – Morris @ https://makingagift.umn.edu/give/yourgift.html?&cart=22098 , or the Alzheimer’s Association @https://www.alz.org/mnnd Arrangements entrusted to Peterson-Grimsmo Funeral Home, Monticello. 763-295-2918, www.peterson-grimsmochapel.com.

Published by The Minot Daily News, April 16, 2024.