Lillian Maxine Mathison, age 86, passed away at the Field Crest Nursing Home in Hayfield, Minn. on Friday afternoon, Oct. 8, 2010, from Pancreatic cancer.

She was born in York Township on March 20, 1924, to Harry and Emma (Ness) Meinen. When Lillian was 14-months-old Emma passed away and Lillian was raised by her aunt and uncle, Nettie and John Mensink.

She was very involved in helping with the farming both with the animals and in the field. She attended Spring Valley and Wykoff, Minn. schools graduating from Wykoff. After attending one year at the musical college in “The Cities”, she took Normal training in Preston, Minn. and taught at the Red School south of Cherry Grove. She married Floyd Mathison Aug. 3, 1946. They had two children, Jack and LaRhee. They lived in LeRoy and in Austin before moving to their loved house south of Brownsdale in 1957.

Her love of animals, especially horses, was passed on to both children. She loved God, music, bowling, and traveling. She was pianist/organist for many functions for over 65 years.

Starting when she was in ninth grade, she played for school functions, Sunday School and many church functions.

She also taught piano for several years, and worked at the Sheriffs’ Boys Ranch as a teachers aide as an adult.

Traveling with Floyd throughout the United States was a joy, culminating in flying to Hawaii for their 50th wedding anniversary. For 60 years they took a 3-5 day trip to celebrate their wedding anniversary.

Her quick wit and humorous sayings were spoken to one and all, including the wonderful personnel at the Field Crest Care Center.

She will be sorely missed by family and friends.

She is survived by daughter: LaRhee and special friend Hrustan Dizdarevic, Mason City, Iowa; Jack and special friend DeeAnn Randall, Austin; brother-in-law: Wayne Sheldon, Duluth; two grandsons: Blake (Katie) and Brock (Annette) Janson; great-grandson: Brian; two great-granddaughters: Samantha and Jerica all of Mich.; three step-grandchildren, Corinna and Jim Gunderson of Mich. and Naomi (Kaimi) Pacheco Omaha, Neb.; three step-great-grandchildren: Chantelle (Ben) New, San Antonio, Texas; Cody Alberts and Gunner Gunderson, Michigan; step-great-great-grandson: Gavon New; nieces LaDean (Herb) Walberg, Helena, Mont.; Patty (Bruce) Lundgren, Duluth; many nieces and nephews from her husbands’ family and special family friend Ron Schroeder.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and foster parents, her sister, two foster sisters and their spouses, a foster brother and his spouse, five brothers and sisters in- law and their spouses.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2010, at the Brownsdale United Methodist Church with the Rev. Sharon Goetsinger officiating. Friends may call at Worlein Funeral Home in Austin from 5 to 8 p.m., Monday, Oct. 11, 2010, and one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Internment will be at Cherry Grove Cemetery, Cherry Grove, Minn. The organist will be Mary Oakland and soloist Jack Mathison.

Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.worlein.com