Sheldon Matson

With hearts full of gratitude and hope, we share that Sheldon Matson, age 80, of Fosston, Minnesota, was welcomed into the arms of his Savior on June 28, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. A celebration of Sheldon’s life will be held at Hope Lutheran Church in Fosston on Friday, August 8, 2025, at 2pm with a private interment taking place on an earlier date.

Born on July 3, 1944, to Raymond and Alvina (Evans) Matson, Sheldon grew up on the family farm in Hill River Township, where he learned the values of faith, hard work, and caring for others. He graduated from McIntosh High School with the class of 1962 and completed his Associate degree at Thief River Falls Technical College in 1964. On July 6, 1968, Sheldon married the love of his life, Judy Overmoe, in Grand Forks, North Dakota. They made their home in rural Fosston and raised their two children, Barbara and Brenton.

From a young age, Sheldon loved farming. He and his brother Gerald, began a partnership of farming and later established Matco Farms. They raised small grains, soybeans and edible beans.

Sheldon’s life was marked by quiet kindness and deep integrity. He saw the best in people, approached each day with optimism, and believed in serving others through action rather than words. His faith was steady and visible in the way he lived, loved, and worked.

A gifted craftsman, Sheldon spent over 30 years refining his skills in woodworking, creating beautiful bentwood tine boxes, furniture, and turned bowls. He gave these treasures away freely, asking only that recipients would pay the kindness forward, a reflection of the generous spirit that guided his life.

Sheldon’s legacy lives on in his beloved wife, Judy; his children, Barbara (Ryan) Johnson and Brenton (Emily) Matson; and eight cherished grandchildren; his siblings, Gerald Matson and Bonnie (Stephen) Beery; his aunt Ila (Evans) Johnson, and numerous nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alvina and sister-in-law, Helen Matson.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Sheldon’s memory through a donation to the Firefly Center for Art & Wellbeing, Mamre Cemetery Fund, Calvary Free Lutheran Sunday School, Hope Lutheran Church television ministry, or a charity of your choice.

We give thanks to God for the gift of Sheldon’s life. His faith, generosity, and the quiet joy he carried into every room will remain a blessing to all who knew and loved him. Well done, good and faithful servant.