Robert D. "Bob" Mathison

1934 - 2011

Robert D. "Bob" Mathison obituary, 1934-2011, Fairbanks, AK

BORN

1934

DIED

2011

FUNERAL HOME

Chapel of Chimes, Legacy Funeral Homes

415 Illinois St.

Fairbanks, Alaska

Robert Mathison Obituary

Have you heard the one about Olé and Léna? If you haven't, you will have to wait until you get to heaven and ask Bob. Fairbanks resident Robert D. (Bob) Mathison, 77, left this world gracefully at his home on March 14, 2011, surrounded by his loving family and friends.

Bob was born in 1934 in LaCrosse, Wis., to Hjalmer and Alice Mathison. Bob graduated from Westby High School in Westby, Wis., in 1951. Shortly after, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy at the age of 17. He was decorated for his service in Korea.

Upon his return, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Lou, in 1956.

He was honorably discharged to the Naval Reserves in 1959.

He graduated from the University of Montana, Missoula in 1959 with a bachelor of arts degree in science and a degree in home economics. He was the director of food services at UAF from 1965 to 1971. He was especially proud to feed the masses during the Fairbanks flood of 1967. He was a chef/manager on the trans-Alaska pipeline from 1974 until he retired in 2001.

Bob loved our great state and everything it has to offer; the motor homing, fishing, hunting, golfing and tending to his lawn and garden though the long summer days. Most of all, he loved the people. Oh how he loved to make us laugh. Happy trails to us, until we meet again.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Hjalmer and Alice Mathison; and his siblings, Harlan, Marlene and Richard.

Bob is survived by his wife of 55 years, Mary Lou; his brother, Francis; his sister, Beverly; his children, Michele (Dan), Kevin (Tuan), Brian (Diana) and Jennifer (Eric); his grandchildren, Jason (Andria), Heather, Cameron, Dominic, and Carrissa; numerous nieces and nephews; and his first great-grandchild is on the way.

A very special thank you to Dr.Carroll and staff, Fairbanks Resource Agency, Hospice of the Tanana Valley, and the Fairbanks Memorial Hospital home health care nurses.

There will be a memorial Mass in Bob's name at 10 a.m., Saturday, March 26, at Sacred Heart Cathedral with a reception to follow.

The family requests that any donations be made to Interior Alaska Cancer Association, P.O. Box 80063, Fairbanks, AK 99708. Arrangements were entrusted to Chapel of Chimes Funeral Home.

Published by Daily News-Miner on Mar. 20, 2011.
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Memories and Condolences
for Robert Mathison

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I will fondly remember Mr. Mathison for all of the thoughtful conversations we had, all of the times we ate dinner on the deck, the off jokes that sent me laughing till I was in tears, his stories of hunting in alaska back in the day. Although, the thing that I will miss the most will be seeing his smiling face when I stopped to see Bob and Mary Lou Mathison at their house which I have done for most of the last 20 years. I will miss him very much.

Bill Hill

March 26, 2011

We all adored Bob! My boys especially loved this sweet man who they talked to over the fence all summer long

March 26, 2011

Bob, we did work together on the pipeline at Ft Wainwright back in 1974 and were friends since... I will miss you Bob... thanks for the years of friendship....my thoughts are with your family... Hi Kevin..

Mark Rosen

March 25, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I will always remember Robert with a smile on his face, and always ready to give a big hug when we would see him around Coon Valley.

Kathy & Bud (Mathison)McCormick

March 24, 2011

Mary Lou and Family,

Bob was such a great guy. We are honored to have known him all these years. Happy memories of him will give you peace.

Helen & Jerry Raunig

March 23, 2011

We will always keep you in our heart Bob and gladly look over your loved ones until we are together again. Treasured memories we share shall unite us for forever. Love R&B Galster clan

Bill & Rita Galster

March 22, 2011

Mary Lou ,
Both you and Bob were role models during our time working with you in Marriage Encounter. Bob with his quick wit and you with a laugh for all his jokes. The years together will help you cope with Bob's loss. We remember you both with love.

Mike and Linda Thibodeau

Linda Thibodeau

March 22, 2011

I had the good fortune to meet Bob when he was at the UofA Commons in the 60s. My first impression, "This guy is really young to be in charge of this kitchen". Immediately I was taken by Bob--friendly, funny and very unpretentious. Our paths crossed a couple of years ago at the golf course and it was like old times, laughing and joking. I'm so sorry to hear of his passing. My sincere sympathies to Bob's family.
Pete Hardenbrook

March 22, 2011

Mary Lou and family: Your are in our prayers and the fond memories we have of Bob. Vane & Kate Smith, Charlevoix, MI

March 22, 2011

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories of Uncle Robert bring you comfort. We are sorry we can't be with you at this time to honor him... Love, Marty, Sarah, Tim and Tami (and children Adam, Noah, Connor and Taylor) Mathison. (Chaseburg, WI)

March 22, 2011

Mary Lou & family,
We are with you in Spirit and Prayers. God Bless all of you. Eddie & Catherine

March 22, 2011

Mary Lou and Family, We are sorry for your Loss. Even though we have not been in touch for many years, we still have fond memories. Our Prayers are with you. Bob & Pat Jones

March 21, 2011

Dear Mary Lou & family - Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We have lots of fun memories of our time in Fairbanks as your friends and neighbors. Mary Lou, may you find comfort in all your special memories of your 55 years together. Much love to you all.

Cathy & Denny Ranaldi

March 21, 2011

Mary Lou and family - I was so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. Thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Beverly Ross

March 20, 2011

I was so sorry to hear of your loss. Bob was good people and really knew how to make you laugh.

Bill Earnest

March 20, 2011

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Funeral services provided by:

Chapel of Chimes, Legacy Funeral Homes

415 Illinois St., Fairbanks, AK 99701

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