Melvin L. Matson, 65, of Foxboro, died Wednesday, January 15, 2014, at his home, surrounded by his loving family after a hard fought battle with cancer.

He was born April 19, 1948, in Volga, SD, to Verner and Iola (Noethe) Matson.

In 1966 Mel met Susan Smith on the steps of Coffey Hall at the University of Minnesota in St. Paul. They married in 1969 and finished college together before serving in the Peace Corps in Morocco. Upon their return they completed their education at the U. of M. Mel earned his Master's Degree in Fisheries Biology.

Melvin was a member of Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church, Superior.

He was the owner and operator of Tri State Industrial Supply, Superior.

Some of his many interests included fishing, reading, camping, lawn work, caring for his many pets on the family farm, sports, family trips out west, and fishing trips to Canada; however, his greatest love was spending time with his family.

Preceding him in death were his parents; sister, Debra Matson; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bob and Goldie Smith.

Survivors include his wife of over 44 years, Susan; daughters, Sarah (Matt) Haasis, and Carrie (Bill) Sanda, both of Foxboro; granddaughters, Ellie Haasis and Callie Sanda; aunts and uncles, Elaine and Wally Abraham and Eunice and Herman Noethe, all of New London, MN; and many cousins and special extended family members.

Visitation will be from 10 until the 11 a.m. service on Monday, January 20, 2014, at Pilgrim Evangelical Lutheran Church, 820 Belknap Street, Superior, WI, with Reverend Will Mowchan officiating.

Interment will be in Summit Cemetery, Town of Summit, WI, immediately following the luncheon at the church.