Virgil Matthiensen

Virgil “Matt” Matthiensen, 99, of Norco, CA, passed away on Wednesday, December 11, 2013, at Kaiser Permanente Hospital in Riverside, CA. Born January 19, 1914 in Bentley, Iowa; he was the son of the late Christian and Bertha Matthiensen.

Matt lived a long, wonderful life filled with rich experiences. Over the years he had many occupations, but his longest career was in retail. He worked for Knott’s Berry Farm in the Basket Shop Store for seventeen and a half years. He loved to dance, play cards, fish and travel. Some of his favorite places to visit were June Lake, California and Kamiah, Idaho. Matt was a man who loved the Lord and his family. He had a kind heart and a warm smile for everyone. He enjoyed attending church and was a member of Word Faith Fellowship Church in Norco, CA. He was also a proud veteran of the United States Navy and served during World War II. In his later years, he was a member of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and the Elks Club.

Preceded in passing by his wife, Bessie Mae Matthiensen; Matt is survived by his children, Robert Matthiensen, Jayne Crouch, and Terry Matthiensen; grandchildren, Caryl, Kristin, Heidi, Jeff, Melody, and Candice; 20 great-grandchildren, 1 great great-grandchild; and many loving extended family members and dear friends.

A memorial service to celebrate Matt’s life will be held on January 11, 2014 at 11:30 A.M. at Word Faith Fellowship Church in Norco, CA. Matt will be respectfully laid to rest and reunited with his wife, Bessie, at Riverside National Cemetery, Riverside, CA.

Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Labre Indian School, Ashland, Montana 59004 (www.stlabre.org).