Richard "Dick" Matson, 73, Finlayson, died peacefully on Saturday, January 1, 2011 in Essentia St. Mary's Hospital, Duluth. He was born on January 11, 1937 in Finlayson to Henry and Jennie Matson. Dick grew up and attended Finlayson High School graduating in 1955. He farmed with his brother in Finlayson prior to being drafted into the United States Army in 1960. After basic training, Dick married Norma Rhoades in Red Bluff, CA. After serving his country for two years, Dick and Norma returned to Finlayson where they farmed. Dick also worked for Stanton Lumber Company and North Pine Electric. They later moved to Willow River for 14 years before returning to Finlayson. Dick worked for 23 years at the Luoma Egg Ranch in Finlayson before retiring in 2007. He was a Lifetime Member of the Apostolic Lutheran Church. Dick loved to create inventions that would make life easier and also had an endless supply of dry humor.

Dick is preceded in death by his Daughter and Son-In-Law: Rosalie and Mark Jarvis; his Parents: Henry and Jennie Matson; and an Brother: Kenneth.

He will be lovingly remembered by his Wife of 50 years: Norma; 5 Children: Tony (Sylvia) of Nome, Alaska; Jesse (Marta) of Boynton Beach, FL; Rodney (Norma) of Prescott, AZ; Emily (Josh) Gedenberg and Jennie (Travis) Karlsen both of LaCenter, WA; 21 Grandchildren; 2 Brothers: Walfred of Friesland and James of Finlayson; a Sister: Carol (John) Page of LaCenter, WA; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

Visitation will be from Noon until the 1:00 PM service on Thursday, January 6, 2011 in Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake. Pastor Don Bisila will officiate. Music will be provided by Pam Matson, Josh Gedenberg, and Stephanie Matson. Burial will be in Finnish Lutheran Cemetery, Finlayson. To sign the guestbook online, go to www.hhkfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Hamlin-Hansen-Kosloski Funeral Home, Moose Lake.