Dale Eugene Matson

Dale Matson, 91, passed away on Monday, January 26, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Monday, February 2, 2026 at the East Freeborn Lutheran Church in Albert Lea, MN. A visitation will be held the day prior from 3-5pm on Sunday, February 1, 2026 at the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home, along with an hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Matt Griggs will be officiating.

Dale was born to Roy and Lola Matson on June 15, 1934 and grew up in rural Hayward. He graduated from Albert Lea High School, and later from the Mankato Business College. Dale married his “Queen of Hearts” Marilyn Jerdee on June 15, 1952. They shared 73 years of marriage. As a couple, they enjoyed bowling, dancing, card club, backpacking, skiing, travel and family visits. They raised five children at their home in Hayward, where they lived from 1958-2015. Since then, they have resided in Albert Lea.

Dale’s career was primarily managing the family business of Matson Truck Lines and Ace Transportation busing. Dale enjoyed many volunteer and community commitments. Those included roles at East Freeborn Lutheran Church, the Boy Scouts of Hayward, Hayward PTA, and Chairman of South Side Business Men’s Association. He served on the YMCA board for 14 years, and 6 years on the Minnesota School Bus Operators Board. He was also a board member for St. John’s Lutheran home for 34 years, and a part of their Foundation Board. He also served with the Sertoma Club and Good Earth Village Camp and Retreat.

Dale is survived by his wife Marilyn Matson; his children Cynthia (Bruce) Meierbachtol, Gordon (Anna) Matson, Valerie (Jeff) Curry, Renae (Eric) Zager, and Clay (Jade) Matson. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Roy Matson, Gene (Char) Matson, Greg (Carolyn) Matson; and sister Lorelei Thompson; and sister-in-law Marlene Thompson, and brother-in-law Robert (Janice) Knutson.

Dale is preceded in death by his parents; brothers Darryl, Richard, and Quentin Matson; along with his sisters-in-law Pat Matson and Gwen Matson.

Dale’s gentle, kind, honest and humble nature will be missed by his family.

When backpacking with his family and other young hikers, he was infamous for saying: “Just one more mile.” Well, Dale, you finally made it one more mile.

Thanks for the journey.

The service was live-streamed, and can be watched below or from the Bayview/Freeborn Funeral Home YouTube page at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eu2Dl9NKCJs