Zona A. Mathison

Zona A. Mathison, 95, of Moorhead, MN passed away Wednesday, May 10, 2023, at Eventide on 8th, Moorhead, MN.

Zona Arlene Larson was born November 5, 1927, at Albert Lea, MN, daughter of George and Amanda (Thompson) Larson. She graduated from Scarville, IA, high school in 1945 and St. Olaf College in 1949. On November 26, 1949, she was married to Harlan C. “Matt” Mathison at Immanuel Lutheran, Scarville. They lived in Spencer, IA, from 1949, where she was employed by the Clay County Welfare Office, until 1952 when they moved to Des Moines. There she worked for a short time at the lowa Dept. of Welfare until they were transferred by Cargill, Inc. to Wilson, North Carolina.

In 1955 they moved to Moorhead where they made their home. For nine years she was secretary of The Arc of Clay County and continued to be involved in organizations advocating for improved services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Genealogy and music were Zona's main interests. She was a member of the choir of Elim Lutheran Church as well as the F/M Opera Co. from its initial performance and continuing for many years. While visiting distant cousins in Norway, she volunteered to assist a committee there in searching for all the immigrants from Vik in Sogn. A book was published in Norway about the immigrants that was introduced at the time of the 150th anniversary of the 15 emigrants in 1989 when she & Matt made one of three trips there.
Zona's maternal grandfather was baptized in the original Hopperstad Stave Church in Vik. As a result of the building of the replica Hopperstad Church in Moorhead by Guy Paulson, she became a member of the committee for the dedication held in 1998.

Preceding her in death were her husband, Matt in 2010, son, Rick in 2005 and parents.

Surviving is son, Mark Mathison, Cold Spring, MN.

In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to CCRI (Creative Care for Independent living), Elim Lutheran Church or donor's choice.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at 12:30 PM with a visitation one hour before the service at Elim Lutheran Church, Fargo, ND.

Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Cemetery, Moorhead, MN.