Maurice Matson – Arlington

Aug. 17, 1921 – March 13, 2017

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Maurice John Matson,95, a proud son of South Dakota, died Monday, March 13, 2017.    

Funeral services are at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lake Whitewood Lutheran Church, located in rural Arlington. Prior to the service, visitation will begin 10 a.m. in the church.  

On the family farm near Hetland, Maurice was born August 17, 1921, to Myrum and Guline Matson. He was 13 years old when he lost his beloved mother.  Upon graduation from Hetland High School, he attended Augustana College from 1939-1943, where being a sports radio broadcaster brought him great enjoyment.  He was commissioned a naval officer from Columbia University's Midshipman School, New York City, in 1943.  

His World War II naval service began in North Africa and involved seaboard invasion at Anzio and Elba in Italy and Southern France.  He became his vessel's captain in 1944.  

His military career ended in 1946 following a voyage from San Diego through the Panama Canal on the admiral's staff.  

During his lifetime as a farmer, Maurice served the community and causes for which he was passionate.  

In particular, these included Lake Whitewood Lutheran Church, American Legion and politics.  He served as a member of the South Dakota Board of Military Affairs, South Dakota American Legion Press Association, Sons of Norway and was a life member of the American Legion and VFW.  From 1962-2010, he was editor and publisher of the award winning Post Augur, a newsletter of the American Legion Post 263 of Hetland.  On April 26, 1986, bachelorhood ended and life began anew when he married Shirley Andersen.  The family farmhouse became a home filled with family and friends on many occasions.  

A special retreat for the couple was spending winters at their home in Texas.  

Survivors include his wife Shirley; stepdaughters, Donna (Richard) Wilson, Rhonda (Peter) Morse and Terri (Scott) Hein, four step-grandsons; two nieces; a nephew and extended family and friends.  

Preceding him in death was his brother Arthur Matson.