Obituary: Richard Matson, 77, Branch.

Dick Matson

Obituary: Richard Matson, 77, Branch.

Richard “Dick” Garth Matson, 77,  of Branch passed away on May 11, 2017 at home surrounded by his family after a long battle with cancer.

Dick was born to Walter and Josephine (Baird) Matson at home in Ludington on September 4, 1939. He was the youngest of five children. He retired from Dow Chemical on October 29, 1998. Dick was an avid hunter and fisherman, he loved the outdoors, spending time with his family, and walking his dog Jessey. Dick was a former member of the Moose, Eagles, and the Boat Club.

Dick is survived by daughters: Theresa “Terri” (Joe) Negele, Robin (Jimmy) Bogus-Strange; step children: Duane Techmier, James (Kelly) Henrichsen, Beth (Robert) Bissell, and Jimmy Hughes; grandchildren: Timothy (Amber Bottrell) Nelson, Nicole (Jeremy) Johnson, Stephanie (Laramie) Schemenauer, April Bogus, Samantha Bogus, Richard (Danielle) Henrichsen, Allen and Mathew Henrichsen, and Jarod Hughes; great grandchildren: Derick, River, Gunner and Dahlia Nelson, Britney, Courtney, Shae, and Harper Johnson, Scarlette, Lillyan, and Liliah Schemenauer, Emily Rodriguez, and Riko; and nieces and nephews: Rick, Karin, Sarah, Jennifer, Todd, Jimmy, Paula, and David.

Preceding Dick in death were his parents; wife, Paulette; brother, Walter “Jack” (Lori); sisters: Marilyn (Flip) Aden, Patricia (Richard “Dick”) Schultz, and Joyce Yvonne Chelburg; son, Garth Neil Matson; grandsons:, Steven Scott Matson and Jacob Henrichsen; and nieces Laura and Christine.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, May 17, 2017 at 1 p.m. at Oak Grove Funeral Home in Ludington, with visitation starting at noon. The  Rev. Wayne Wheeler will officiate. A luncheon will follow at the American Legion Ludington Post. Dick’s final resting place will be at The Deer Blind in Sweetwater Township.  Memorial contributions may be made to Susan P. Wheatlake Regional Cancer Center in Reed City.

Please share your fond memories of Dick at www.OakGroveFH.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center of Ludington.