David Matthiesen, 78, Kasson

David Matthiesen, 78, of Kasson, died on Friday, July 9, 2021, at Mayo Clinic Saint Marys campus in Rochester.

David was born in Austin, on October 9, 1942 to Ollene (Granle) and Adonnis Matthiesen, living his childhood days around the Austin area.  

He joined the U.S. Army at age 20, serving during the Vietnam War. After serving he met and married Marjorie Kent on February 16, 1968 and took on the role of father to her six children. Their daughter, Jennifer, was born exactly one year later.

Dave began working for Harry McNeilus as a “Friendly steel handler” which began his 42-year career with the McNeilus family.

He met and married Carolyn Sakoman on May 18, 2018. She brought sunshine to his life every day, so much so that he took an “early retirement” at the age of 75. Family meant everything to Dave. He took great pride in his children and grandchildren. He literally loved to take the road less traveled, going camping, and completing Sudoku puzzles on the back deck. Dave always had a remodeling project going and was his happiest when tearing something down or building something; leaving us with great memories to build on.

Dave is survived by his wife, Carolyn Matthiesen, and her family, his six children, Rocky Papenfus, Rick (Debbie) Papenfus, Laurie Reynolds, Linda (Keith) Cooper, Judy Kent (Ken Sien), Jenny (Dean) Blowers.

Eleven Grandchildren: Nicole (Nick) Schamp, Cody (Kindra) Papenfus, Melanie (Andrew) Schieck, Tonya Narveson, Boe (Rachel) Narveson, Jerry (Meredith) Cooper, Lauren (Jesse) Jerle, Jenny “Bud” Cooper, Meghan (Brady) Clark, Samantha and Jonathan Blowers, Sydney Sien and Emily Sien, and many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren. His five sisters: Darlene Carroll, Diane Hagen, Dee (Rod) Wolf, Denise Matthiesen, Dorothy Matthiesen, and brother Dennis (Shelley) Matthiesen.

Dave is preceded in death by his wife Marjorie, his parents, brothers, Duane and Dean, sister Debbie, son Ronnie, grandson Nicholas.

A memorial service for David was held Tuesday, July 13, 2021, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE in Kasson with Pastor Amy Anderson officiating.

To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com, Czaplewski Family Funeral Homes, 801 7th St SE Kasson, MN 55944 (507)634-6510. Blessed be his memory.