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Ralph G. Matsen

1929 - 2011

BORN

1929

DIED

2011

Ralph Matsen Obituary

Ralph G. Matsen went to be with our Lord on April 25, 2011. Born December 6th, 1929 in Eureka, California, son of Rudolf and Gardia Matsen. He attended Eureka City Schools and felt honored to be a part of the Eureka Senior High School graduating class of 1947. He began employment after graduation with Bank of America and served with U.S. Army during the Korean War. Upon discharge he returned to Bank of America for a total of 10 years as an officer of the Bank. In 1956, he became a partner with Ernest Freeman and formed Freeman-Matsen Insurance and became sole owner of the Eureka office in 1964. He established offices in Eureka, Fortuna, Ukiah, Ft. Bragg, Sacramento, Santa Rosa and Phoenix, Arizona with providing over 50 years in the Insurance business. In 1955 he married Christine Lafferty and they have three children, R. Glenn Matsen (Angela), Debbie Flores (Ken Caughey) and Lori Hartsoe (Tony). They have ten grandchildren, Ryan Flores, Renae Flores, Cassandra Matsen, Maria Matsen, Haakon Matsen, Gunnar Matsen, Matsen Hartsoe, Marissa Hartsoe, Walker Hartsoe, and Emma Hartsoe. Preceding him in death were his parents, his brothers, Magnus and Erling. He leaves behind special friends, his sister-in-law Leora Matsen, Erlinda Bohorquez and many family and friends. He was extremely proud of his Norwegian Ancestry. He has many relatives living in Norway and has been an active member of the Eureka Sons of Norway Lodge Fram #13. A Celebration of his life will be held on, April 28th, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. Sanders Funeral Home, 1835 E ST, Eureka, CA. The Family would like to give special thanks to: Eureka Internal Medicine, Hospice and Visiting Angels In lieu of flowers please donate to: Redwood Teen Challenge: 2212 2nd Street, Eureka, CA 95501 Please sign the guestbook at www.times-standard.com Click on obits.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times-Standard from Apr. 26 to Apr. 27, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ralph Matsen

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Jeff Wickizer

April 20, 2022

I still think of him often. He was always kind,humorous, generous,supportive and loving man. Because of his kindness and love for God it helped me in my own personal life. I am a changed man because of it. I'm sure he is is looking down on me and proud and amused at where I am in life now.

Jeff Wickizer

April 20, 2020

When I was in Teen Challenge I met Ralph. From the get go he was loving, kind,generous, supportive, and a very happy friendly man. Loved and respected him very much for that. Good memories about him. Same with Christine Matsen. I missed her memorial service. Deeply regret it.

Lenore Anvick

April 20, 2019

Ralph and Christine Matsen were very special people. Ralph and Ted were proud of their Norwegian heritage and enjoyed knowing one another. Christine's music was such a blessing to the Wesleyan Church of the Redwoods.

Jim Miller

May 4, 2011

Dear Christine,

We are praying for you through this very difficult time.

Lovingly,

Jim and Phyllis Miller

May 2, 2011

Dear Christine,

May the Lord comfort you and your family at this time and in the days ahead.

It was wonderful to see you in church on Sunday with your two daughters. Your music was quite special, and we are so blessed by your musical talents.

Please know that we continue to pray for your peace.

Love,

Ted and Lenore

Dee Neher

April 30, 2011

To Christine, a special lady. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at the loss of your Ralph. Many fond memories of you both, a couple who showed love to each other always. May our Lord of all comfort be with you especially now and in the days and years to come.
Dee and Charlie Neher.

April 28, 2011

I am so very sorry and hope you all know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Ralph gave my first 'real' employment and I learned so much from him. That was almost 40 years ago and now many jobs later. I always enjoyed running into him and catching up a little on both our family happenings. I will definitely miss that.
Cindy Bessellieu

April 28, 2011

To Mrs. Matsen, Glenn, Debbie, Lori and the rest of the Matsen family, my and my family's prayers are with you. I have fond memories of my time in college with Glenn and wonderful memories of my visit to Eureka. During my visit, the whole family welcomed me as though I was a part of the Matsen family. Mr. Matsen was so kind, gracious and generous to me during my stay there. I know you will miss him. The late 70s are a long time ago, but it seems like yesterday. Georgia and California are a great distance apart, but I think of the Matsen family often. May God ease your pain and suffering as time passes and may God continue to bless the Matsen family. James Rivers

Dick and Kay Tirsbeck

April 28, 2011

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Jennifer Aggeler

April 27, 2011

Chris, I'm so very sorry for your enormous loss. Please accept my condolences. Ralph was always very nice to me - I'm sure many will remember him fondly.

Debbie Tona

April 27, 2011

Christine and Glenn - I met Ralph in 2000 when he hired me at Matsen, he was force to be reckoned with, I can remember when he gave a marketing rep a piece of his mind because the rep wasnt prepared for the meeting - he always said what he was thinking, loved that about Ralph. I remember when he surprised me with a cash bonus for a vacation I was taking because he said I was doing such a good job, he rewarded those that worked hard. He was a good, kind and fair man. You are all in our prayers.

Jeff Wickizer

April 27, 2011

Christine I send my condolences and love for your loss of Ralph.I'm going to keep you in my prayers.Love u Ralph.You affected me in a positive way in my life with your kindness,compassion,humor, understanding,and most important; God's love.I will always remember you...Greatful friend, Jeff Wickizer

April 27, 2011

To Ralph's Family, Christine, Children, Grandchildren: Our Deepest Sympathy and Prayers to you all. God be with you all. Gary & Kay Taylor, McKinleyville.

April 27, 2011

To Dear Christine and Ralph's Family: I am so sorry for your loss. Losing a husband

Deb Magliano

April 26, 2011

Christine...I was so saddened to read about Ralph's passing. I am praying for you and if there is anything that you need please let me know.
I love you ...

Bill Iskra

April 26, 2011

Christine and the family of Ralph Matsen ,

I offer my condolences at this difficult time . I was in First Assembly of God for a few years with Ralph and he was among the people who encouraged me and others . He was also a generous supporter of the church . I prayed for Ralph every day during his illness and I know that as much as it is hard to accept , God has taken him to a better place . Because of Jesus Christ , we will see him again .

Edythe Watts

April 26, 2011

Mrs. Matsen-We were so sorry to hear of Mr. Matsen's death. Your interest in our kids, Ellen and Kyle, will always make you special in our lives. We are praying for you in the days to come that He will give you peace and strength for this time. Randy and Edythe Watts-Turlock CA

Tom Galovich

April 26, 2011

Christine
Linda & I send our prayers and condolences to you and the family. I have many good memories about Eureka and you and Ralph were a part of them.
Pastor Tom

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