Clarence C. Mathson, 79, Minot, formerly of Halliday, died Tuesday, November 24, 2009 in a Minot Hospital.

Clarence was born November 15, 1930 at Halliday, ND, the son of Andrew and Emma (Marten) Mathson. He was raised and educated at Halliday and graduated from High School there in 1948. He moved to Dickinson in 1948 to assist his brother, Andy at the Farmers Union Oil Company. He then returned to Halliday to help his father with his carpentry business from 1952-1956.

Clarence was united in marriage to Dorothy Richau on June 1, 1956 at Golden Valley, ND. They moved to Minot a short time later, where he began employment with Orheim Construction Company. In 1968, he was hired by the Sisters at St. Josephs Hospital in Minot to act as the hospital's building supervisor. He worked in that capacity until he retired in 1993.

Clarence was a member of First Lutheran Church, Minot. He was also a member of the Minot Elks Lodge and a social member of the Minot American Legion. He and Dorothy enjoyed golfing at Apple Grove and the Garrison Golf Course. They especially enjoyed their more than 30 years at their cabin he constructed for their family at Lake Audubon. In his free time, you could find Clarence hunting, fishing, cooking or canning. Throughout the years he was known to have made a number of special items for family with his carpentry skills.

His loving family includes , wife of more than fifty-three years, Dorothy; children, Terry (Kay) Mathson, New Town, ND, Faye (Terry) Hayes, Roswell, NM, Brian (Judy) Mathson, Minot, Craig (Pam) Mathson, Grand Forks, ND, and Suzanne (Tom) Harr, Cody, WY; Twelve Grandchildren, Sixteen Great-Grandchildren; Sisters, Ida Ernest, Dubois, WY and Martha Vold, Clear Lake, Iowa; several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Clarence was preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Francis, Peter, Melvin, Eddie, Andrew and infant sister, Clara.

Funeral service : Saturday, November 28, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. in First Lutheran Church, Minot.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation : Friday from 2:00-7:00pm in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.