Green Bay Press Gazette - Posted April 5, 2006

Mathison, Don B.

Don B. Mathison, 88 years, 231 W. Pine St., Sturgeon Bay, passed away Monday, April 3, 2006, at St. Vincent Hospital in Green Bay. He was born April 15, 1917, in Clay Banks, the son of the late Martin and Loretta (Nelson) Mathison. He graduated from Sturgeon Bay High School. On April 15, 1939, he married Bernice A. Robillard at the home of her parents in the Town of Gardner. After his marriage Don was employed at the Prange-Washburn Store in Sturgeon Bay. In 1941, Don went to work for the Leathem Smith Shipyard. After living on Oxford Ave., and working at the Shipyard, Don and Bernice realized a need for a grocery store in that part of town, and in 1947 opened Don's Grocery, they operated that until selling in 1953. The couple moved into a home at 35 E. Pine Street, and again their entrepreneurship made them realize the need for a guest house in that area of town. They opened rooms, and operated Mathison's Certified Guest House. Don was sought after to come and work at Peterson Builders Inc. so he started his long term relationship with the company in 1953 and retired as Supervisor in the Plating Division of Peterson Builders in 1982. Don became a very dedicated volunteer firefighter for Sturgeon Bay in 1958 and was recognized for his selfless service. He retired from the Fire Department in 1976. Don and Bernice loved their families' dogs, and he was an avid outdoorsman. But his faith, church and family came first in his life. He was a member of Bay View Lutheran Church. A close second would be his love for fishing, with many friends over the years enjoying his company in a boat or on the ice. Don was certified with the United States Power Squadron. He also was a longtime and devoted member of the Henry S. Baird Masonic Lodge in Sturgeon Bay. Survivors include his dear wife, Bernice, Sturgeon Bay; his loving daughter, Sue (Terry) Godres, Sturgeon Bay; his two grandchildren, Sara (Brian) Godres-Tomes, Sturgeon Bay (and step-children, Brianna and Tyler), Matthew (Honneli) Godres, (and children, Miranda, Hailey, Kaileigh), De Pere. Preceding him in death were his parents, and sister, Phyllis Gigstead. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 6, 2006, at Bay View Lutheran Church with the Rev. Bruce Pangborn officiating. Burial will follow at Bayside Cemetery. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, at Huehns Funeral Home of Sturgeon Bay, and at the church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until the time of services at 11 a.m. A Masonic service will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at Huehns Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bay View Lutheran Church or Henry S. Baird Lodge in Don's memory.