Arthur Matson Jr.

Arthur Matson Jr. was born November 1, 1932 in Rugh Township, rural Aneta, North Dakota. The son of Art and Emma (Hillesland) Matson. He was baptized and confirmed in Sundahl Lutheran Church. He attended country school in Rugh #4. Later he graduated from Aneta High School in 1950. After graduating, he worked a couple of years in the copper mines of Butte, Montana. Then he hauled gravel for Keith Drengson in Cavalier County. He worked as a hired man for Bud Lavanger at Aneta from 1955 to 1958. He learned the carpenter trade by working for Art Sandeen. Soon, he was carpentering on his own and began farming. He raised sheep for over 50 years, along with wheat, sunflowers, barley and all types of beans. At different times he farmed in partnership with Allen Smaaladen, Steve Arlien and Allen Hillesland.
Art served on the board of the F.U. Oil Company in Aneta and also was a Rugh Township supervisor for many years.
Art was an avid fisherman and hunter, frequently traveling to Montana in the fall to hunt elk.
Art passed away April 29, 2012 at Nelson County Health Center in McVille. He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Victor and a nephew, Victor Jr. He is survived by a sister, Delores Sofil of Townsend, Montana, Sister-in-law, Carol Matson of Grand Forks, five nieces and a nephew.
A private family memorial will be held.