Ann Mathison
December 11, 1933 ~ June 3, 2024
Born in:
Kasson, Minnesota
Resided in:
Fargo, North Dakota
We regret to announce the passing of Ann Marie Mathison, born on December 11, 1933, in Kasson, Minnesota. She died peacefully on June 3, 2024, in Fargo, North Dakota, with family by her side.
Anni dedicated her life to caring for others through her work as a surgical nurse, traveling across various states including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona and Montana, before settling in Santa Ana, California for several years. She had an active nursing license for more than 40 years. Following her father’s passing in 1983, she moved back to Rochester, Minnesota to care for her mother, Daisy Mathison.
While in Rochester, she drove the local school bus for over three decades. She ran a tight ship/bus and made sure everyone was safely deposited at each end of her route. She adored the kids, and they loved her back. We heard many stories of the sweet things kids would say to her. She had such a big heart for them.
Her love for travel took her on many car and train journeys across the nation with her mom, siblings and various nieces and nephews. She enjoyed salmon fishing with her family in Lake Michigan and visiting National Parks. She loved her pets, canaries in California, mini poodles in Minnesota, horses and cats, too. She was an avid reader, an artist of large oil paintings, and container gardener. Later in life, she immersed herself in books on real live cassette tapes, supplied by North Dakota Vision Services. She listened to thousands of books, mostly Westerns. We think she developed a hankering for cowboys when she worked in Montana.
She wasn’t raised with formal religion, but she and her younger brother, Mark wanted God in their lives, so together they joined the Lutheran Church, and continued to know God from then on. We know they are having fun in Heaven.
Ann was preceded in death by her parents, Alfred and Daisy Mathison; siblings, Donna Jean Smith, (Hall), Robert Dale Mathison (Barbara), Mark A. Mathison (Marjorie); and nephews, Dann Mathison and Todd (Caroline) Mathison.
She is survived by nephews and nieces, Mark (Joni) Mathison, Constant Smith, Amy Smith, Randall Smith, Brenda (Greg Kostopulos) Smith, Susan Mathison, Kerin (Mark) Hinzmann, Shelley Holmes, Chris (Liz) Mathison, Kiersten Ellez, David Mathison, Brian (Jenny) Mathison, Arik (Kristle) Mathison, Kathy (Trae) Cole, and Peter (Sara) Mathison. She kept every card, photo, and letter we sent her.
She is further survived by many great nieces and nephews, Abigail (Charley) Wright, Brent (Steph) Mathison, Landon Mathison, Ryne Metzger, Kailea Mattheis, Jack Mathison, Alice Rose Mathison, Samuel Mathison, Grant Mathison Johnson, Lindsay Johnson, Tyler Johnson, Teagen Brekke, Trent (Caitlin) Holmes, Ellie (Blake) Stewart, Anders Holmes, Paige Mathison, Olivia Mathison, Michael Mathison, Andi Marie Ellez, Harrison Ellez, Becca Mathison, Emily Mathison, Cole (Mariah) Mathison, Kayla Mathison, Meghan Mathison, Oliver Mathison, Simen Mathison, Maryn Cole, Wilson Cole, Henrik Mathison, Harrison Mathison, and Wyatt Holmes.
Anni’s big family always appreciated her adventurous spirit, great sense of humor, and never-ending kindness. Her answer to most questions was a happy “Sure!” She was like a second mother to many of us, and she will be greatly missed.
Anni’s family would like to thank Bethany Grace Pointe Living, Essentia Health especially Dr. Mike Sheldon and Dr. Shosh Richardson, Roger Maris Cancer Center especially Dr. Mahendra Gupta, her eye specialists, Dr. Anne Keating and Dr. Marina Gilca, and her hearing specialist, Dr. Rose Brakke. And while all her nieces and nephews loved her, Jenny Mathison was her special chauffeur and grocery concierge for many years.
Anni is being celebrated by her family this weekend, with prayers, songs, flowers, photos, good conversations, and lots of cake. We will continue to celebrate her, and those that have gone before her for years to come. Please consider connecting with an elderly aunt, uncle or neighbor, and make a donation to their happiness!
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To the Family of Annie: What joy and delight Annie brought to my life.
Even though faced with many afflictions, Annie taught me patience
And perseverance. Job 12: 12, Isaiah 46: 4. Prayers for the family
Who mourn the loss of Annie. Thankful that Annie invited me to her
90th birthday party.