Chester Paul Matsen

CHESTER PAUL MATSEN SEPT. 10, 1931 - DEC. 29, 2003

Chester Paul Matsen, 72, died in Turlock on December 29, 2003 of natural causes. He was born Sept- ember 10, 1931 in Salinas, CA. Chester worked for Merced County for 37 1/2 years as a Deputy Agriculture Commissioner for the Westside. He also worked on the family ranch in Hilmar. Chester was a member of the Blue Lodge; Scottish Rite, Shrine Club and Westside Shrine Club.

Chester was a very happy, fun, outgoing man. He loved spending time with family during holidays, birthdays, and just family get togethers. He also enjoyed the outdoors and camping in the Tuolumne mountains. He will be loved and missed by all.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Anita ``Anne`` Matsen, and step-mother, Florence ``Emma`` Matsen.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Jean Matsen of Hilmar; father, Chester N. Matsen, Sr. of Hilmar; two daughters, Darlene F. Griffith of North Carolina, Kathy W. Laughton of Merced; two sons, Tim P. Matsen of Hilmar, Richard L. Matsen and his wife Becky of Merced; ten grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and two on the way; also his dog, Sissy, whom he loved and cared for deeply.

Visitation will be Friday, January 2, 2004; 9:00 a.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, Los Banos. Service will be Friday, January 2, 2004; 10:00 a.m. at Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, Los Banos. Burial will be private.

Place of burial will be at San Joaquin Valley Nat'l Cemetery. Services are under the direction of Whitehurst Funeral Chapel, Los Banos.

Remembrances can be made to Shriners Children's Hospital, 2425 Stockton Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95817, in Chester Paul Matsen's name.

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