Alvin Edmund Mathisen, age 85, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, lost his battle with congestive heart failure on November 29, 2013 in Holladay, Utah. Although being diagnosed in 2005, Alvin remained active until just weeks before the battle was over. He was born to Adele Audette and Lester Mathisen on March 11, 1928 in Alborn, Minnesota. After graduating as Valedictorian from Alborn High, he joined the Army and served in Korea. Upon returning home, he attended the University of Minnesota graduating with a degree in Business Administration. Before starting college however, he began dating the love of his life, Jean Morehouse from Meadowlands, Minnesota. After testing her dancing skills for two years and finding them adequate, Alvin married Jean in Duluth, Minnesota, in 1950. Together they raised three perfect children.
During his 33-year career with American Oil as a Systems Analyst, he transferred from Minneapolis to Salt Lake City then to Chicago. From Chicago, he was able to retire early and decided to enjoy his retirement years in Salt Lake City with his kids, grandkids, great-grandson and the ski slopes. Alvin always joked that in his next life he wanted to be a government worker or an accordion player. His family enjoyed his wry humor.
Alvin was an avid gardener, taking pride in his tomatoes and kohlrabi. Lucky for us all, he liked to share. He was a blackjack player, polka dancer and traveler. He even earned the title “Big Kahuna” in Fiji. He also enjoyed skiing and golfing and at one point scored a hole-in-one.
Alvin is survived by his wife Jean, son Allen, daughter Paula Hiltz (Mike), grandchildren Cortney Kelly (Brent), Samuel Mathisen, Andrea Mathisen, and great-grandson Jack Kelly. He was preceded in death by his parents, six siblings, and daughter Pamela (Jerry).
Lift a cold one to Al when the mood strikes. A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
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