Dona Marie Christine Matheson

Dona Marie Christine Matheson, 93, of Albert Lea, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at St. John’s Lutheran Community- The Woodland’s in Albert Lea.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at Grace Lutheran Church, with a visitation beginning at 10:00AM. Burial will be held at Graceland Cemetery in Albert Lea. 

Dona, affectionately known as “Meime” by many, was born on June 9, 1931, near Elmore, Minnesota, to the late Herman and Florence (Klatt) Loge. She was a remarkable soul whose life was a testament to love, resilience, and generosity. Dona graduated from Frost High School, where she was a cheerleader and participated in sports. On September 10, 1950, she married the love of her life, Carlyle Matheson in Frost, Minnesota (oldest son of Selmer and Genevieve Matheson). Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and adventure.

A devoted member of Grace Lutheran Church, Dona served on the Altar Guild for 25 years, embodying her deep faith and commitment to her community. She was a skilled seamstress and small business owner, having operated The Broadway Tailor Shop in downtown Albert Lea from 1970 to 1996. She then moved her tailor shop equipment to her home and sewed for her customers for 25 more years until age 90. From creating clothing, to knitting beautiful sweaters and mittens for her family, to her extensive Christmas baking and cooking of special meals, Dona enjoyed sharing her talents with others. Her creative spirit also extended to making lefse for Ike’s Grocery Store in Frost, Minnesota, when her kids were young, to contribute to the family income. Dona loved preserving food by canning, and grew a garden every year to be able to do so. Dona and Carlyle embarked on many adventures, visiting places like Alaska, Hawaii, and Cancun. They also enjoyed many fishing and camping trips with their immediate and extended family. A devoted mother and grandmother, Dona took pride in attending many events of her children and grandchildren, always cheering them on. Dona was known for her strong will, independence, and loving heart. She had many health challenges in recent years and always stayed positive. She had a special bond with animals, particularly her beloved childhood plow horse, Bill and two family dogs over the years, both named Teddy. 

Those left to cherish Dona’s memory include her children, Judith Matheson, Joel (Teresa) Matheson, and Janet (John) Ludwigson; grandchildren, Matt (Sarah) Gabrielson, Dan Gabrielson (Cora Schellenbarger), Tom (Carlirae) Gabrielson, Carly (Peter) Pentz, Ben Matheson, Leah Matheson (Matt Kalina), Sam (Kaitlin) Matheson, Justin (Jennifer) Ludwigson, Tyler (Kelsey) Ludwigson and Emily Ludwigson; 16 great-grandchildren; siblings, Hermina Folven, Marvis Karge, Sandra (Gerald) Urban, Lynette (Juel) Merseth, and Marlyn (Kathy) Loge. Surviving in-laws Marvis Dolan, Vivian Peterson, Geraldine Holmseth, Sonja Matheson, Charlene Zimmerman, Elaine (Robert) Weiner and Kathleen (John) Bang and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members. 

Dona was preceded in death by her husband Carlyle, her parents, parents-in-law, brother Loren Loge, sister-in-law Linda Loge, brothers-in-law Don Folven, Arnold Karge, Henry Dolan, Paul Peterson, Merrill Holmseth, Stan Matheson, Gary Zimmerman as well as nephews Gary Folven, Steven Karge, Matt Loge and Gayle Dolan.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Grace Lutheran Church.