Chet Arthur Mathison

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Chet Mathison Obituary

Chet Mathison went home to his Lord and Savior on February 28, 2017. Chet was born June 4th, 1929 in Evanston, Illinois. He graduated from Taft High School and St. Olaf College in Northfield, Minnesota. He spent two years in college and then was drafted during the Korean War. He served two years in the Marine Corps as a rifle coach and returned to college, graduating with a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology. Chet met the love of his life, Jean Zaeske, while skiing in Colorado at Arapahoe Basin. Chet and Jean enjoyed skiing together and were members of the "Schussbaumers Ski Club." They married and then followed their dream to live in the Pacific Northwest, raising their three children in Bellingham. Chet worked as a realtor and was very active in the Lion's Club and Us 2 Prostate Support Group. He enjoyed handball, fishing, and golf. As a kid from Chicago, he embraced the Northwest lifestyle, always game for an outdoor adventure. He was proud of climbing Mt. Baker at 36, with his friend Franz Gabl. On the weekends, while Jean worked as a registered nurse at the hospital, he would take his three kids on amazing outdoor escapades and everyone survived! Chet was very proud to have served in the Marine Corps and just as passionate about St. Olaf College and their choir. He liked to brag about his kids and grandchildren. Toward the end of his life, he was thrilled to see the Cubs and Seahawks win their championships. Chet could weave a good story and was known by his caregivers at North Cascade Care Center to end the day by singing to them his favorite song from his camp counselor days: "Now run along home and jump into bed/ Say your prayers, don't cover your head/ the very last thing I say unto you is, 'you dream of me, and I'll dream of you.' Goodnight, Campers!" Chet is survived by his wife Jean of 59 years; children Cathy Edgren (Brian), Christy Marx (Steve), and Jay Mathison (DeAnn); grandchildren Kelsey Barnes, Eric Edgren, Haley Marx, Ethan Marx, Trevor Mathison, Taylor Mathison, and Kara Mathison. A celebration of Chet's life will be held on Saturday, March 11, 10:00 a.m. at Moles Farewell Tributes in Bellingham. To share your memories of Chet, visit molesfarewelltributes.com.

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

Published by Bellingham Herald on Mar. 4, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Chet Mathison

10 Entries

Ron Buchinski

March 25, 2017

Chet brought food to Lighthouse Mission for years and he loved the Lord! He also loved to golf :) A good man who will be missed.

Jim& Carol Skahan

March 13, 2017

Dear Jean & family,
Jim & I were saddened to learn of Chet's passing. We have so many happy memories of our time in Bellingham, many with you and your wonderful family. We are thinking about you as you mourn, as well as celebrate, Chet's life and legacy.
So sorry for your loss.
Jim & Carol

Sarah Gabl

March 12, 2017

Dearest Jean & Family,
If there could be mountains in Heaven, surely Chet would be skiing with my father, his longtime friend Franz. Chet defined what true friendship means by visiting Franz at his nursing home for so many years and bringing stories of climbing Mt. baker and skiing with my father. Your kindness and Chet's kindness is not forgotten.
May Chet rest and peace and may you cherish all the wonderful memories he has left for you and your family.
Love from Sarah Gabl & Family

March 11, 2017

Jean, so sorry to hear of Chets passing. I remember him as being a funny and kind man. My condolences to your family.

March 10, 2017

Jean, Our sympathies go out to you ans your family. We have some great memories of Chet: perch-fishing on Lake Whatcom, camping Ross Lake, Chet the Jet, our dog Sugar with Chet and many more. I lost your address after you moved from the lake Please stay in touch. Chet was a caring man and will be missed. We had a good friendship and enjoyed all of his stories. We miss you Jean call us.
Patty & Steve Lagerwey

March 9, 2017

Dear Jean and family,
I am sorry to hear of Chet 's passing. I do rejoice though he is celebrating life now with Jesus. He has always been such a strong believer and truly faithful to the Christian belief. I also will cherish the 22 years Chet and I led the Us Too Prostate Cancer Support Group. He truly started this group our of his desire to serve and help other prostrate cancer survivors. He will forever be remembered for his corny jokes to start meetings and yet his faithfulness to the cause. Because of his earnest work to keep the group going, I have become a better cancer nurse. Jean, you have been a faithful wife, and support for Chet. Your strength is remarkable and a role model for many. Know that I will keep you in my prayers and cherish my memories of Chet. Kathy Millson

Jerry Walker

March 8, 2017

So enjoyed the years I got to spend with Chet. He was a very special man. Great memories. RIP my friend.

Jennifer Fleck

March 6, 2017

We have over 50 years of memories with the Mathison family. Chet is one that can never be forgotten as at every event he always had something to say or sing. He was quite the character and will be missed by many. Our condolences to the entire family. Love from the Bob Burger family.

Julie Norman

March 5, 2017

We are praying for all of you. Our sympathy and love, the Alvin Zaeske family

Geneva Ellerby

March 4, 2017

Dear Jean, Cathy, Christy and Jay,

Chet had such enthusiasm for life and people and always took time to ask about others in a caring way. We remember when he was superintendent of Sunday School at Central Lutheran, as well as in charge of games at the annual Lutherwood picnic. Our condolences and love to each of you in your loss.
Bob & Geevy Ellerby

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