In Memory

Donald Mathson

Donald Mathson

Donald H. Mathson, 73, of Racine, WI died on September 21, 2019.

Don, son of the late Henry and Beatrice (nee: Bruns) Mathson, passed away on September 21, 2019 after battling cancer.

He grew up in Kenosha and graduated from Bradford High School in 1963, then went on to graduate from Carthage College.  Don and Sharon Kay (nee: Galbraith) fell in love in 1964 and have been married for 49 years.  They enjoyed life together with their two girls.  The family adventures through the years were ones for the books.  Hilton Head Island was the family’s favorite place, but one will never forget the houseboat trip down the Wisconsin River.  Don worked in insurance/risk management up until his retirement in 2011.

Don was a member  of Mount Pleasant Lutheran Church, where he served on the church council, a member of the Kenosha Country Club, where he served as club president and was a club champion.

Don is survived by his wife, Sharon, and daughters, Melissa (Dan) Richlen and Heather (Bert) Gregory, all of Chicago.  He is also survived by three grandchildren Matthew, Elizabeth and Charlotte and two grand-dogs, Stella and Belle.  He was preceded in death by his parents, in-laws, Francis and Marion Galbraith (nee: Fisher), and aunts and uncles.

Don was an avid golfer.  Whether in a championship round, Saturday morning game with good friends and his sons-in-law or teaching his grandson, he loved his time on the course.  His golf “buddies” were part of his family.

He loved fall afternoons at Camp Randall, cheering on the Badgers and summer days watching the Brewers (but had to leave after the 7th Inning stretch to beat traffic).  Later in life, his three grandchildren gave him that extra sparkle in his eye.  Don “Bapa” played catch, went for trips to the park and even went to the 4th of July parade — because his grandkids asked.

Don was a great partner on and off the course.  He was a hero, mentor, confidante, teacher and a truly wonderful person.  He will be missed by his loved ones – family and wonderful friends who became family over the years.