Edsel Matson

Obituary of Edsel Matson HANCOCK - Edsel Matson, 88 of Woodside Lane, Hancock near Dollar Bay, passed away suddenly December 17, 2011 at Portage Health after being admitted. Edsel was born on his family's farm in Dollar Bay on May 5, 1923, son of Matti and Hilda (Uutala) Matson. He graduated from Dollar Bay High School in 1942. He served in the U.S. Army in WWII from April 1943 to March in 1946 in the 97th Infantry Division where he was an Intelligence Observer. He received a battle star and badge for action in the European Theater. After the war was over in Europe, he proceeded to Japan to monitor the demilitarization of some Japanese Air Force equipment. After serving in the Army, he attended and graduated from Michigan Technological University with bachelorette of science degrees in Mechanical Engineering and bachelorette of science degree in Engineering Administration in 1950. After graduation from college, Edsel worked as an engineer in Detroit, Michigan for General Motor Company and Ford Motor Company from 1950 to 1953. He married Eunice Nordstrom on June 6, 1952. The couple moved to Hancock, Michigan where he worked for Calumet and Hecla Mining Company from 1953 to 1970. From 1970 to 1971 Edsel worked for a short time for White Pine Mining Company. Then from 1972 to his retirement in 1987 he worked for the United States Forest Service laboratory in Houghton. He was a member of the First Apostolic Lutheran Church in Houghton, Michigan. Proceeding him in death was his father Matti, his mother Hilda, his sister Luella, his wife Eunice, his daughter Linda, and his son Michael. Surviving are his sons Karl, Paul, and Richard of Woodside Lane Hancock, and Tom and Landy Matson of Lakewood, Colorado. Two grandchildren, Katelin and Casandra Matson of Lakewood, Colorado. The funeral service for Mr. Matson will be at 1:00 p.m. December 22, 2011 at the First Apostolic Lutheran Church of Houghton with Pastor Richard Eskola officiating. Spring burial will be in the Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock. Friends may visit with the family prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the church in Houghton. To view Edsel's obituary or to send condolences to the family please visit www.memorialchapel.net. The Memorial Chapel Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting the family with the arrangements. To send flowers to the family of Edsel Matson, please visit Tribute Store