Albert Matthiesen

ALBERT "SONNY" MATHEW PETER MATTHIESEN was born on May 13, 1941 to Albert and Meta (Bendt) Matthiesen in Luverne, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm between Kanaranzi, Minnesota and Luverne. At a young age, Albert and his family moved to Magnolia, Minnesota. As a child, he loved watching trains. He attended school in Sioux Falls, South Dakota until he was eighteen years old. He then moved to Worthington, Minnesota and worked in the adult achievement center for his career. While in Worthington, Albert affectionately took on the nickname of “Sonny”. He became a champion of the community. He loved attending town festivities, most notably Turkey Days and sporting events for the Worthington Trojans and Minnesota West Bluejays. He also participated on a local bowling team and enjoyed listening to music and attending concerts. He also loved riding his trike around town.

As noted in remarks left on Sonny’s memorial tribute, he was a simple and sincere man. He had a wonderful life full of love and friendships. It was noted that once Sonny met you, he’d remember your name and come up to you and ask you how you were doing. He always had a smile on his face and had a way of putting a smile on those he surrounded himself with, no matter how their day had been going. His friendly smile and endearing personality will be missed by many, and forever remembered by those he came to know.

On Thursday, May 26, Sonny died peacefully at Sanford Worthington Hospital at the age of 81 years and thirteen days. It is likely that he greeted his Lord and Savior with a “hello, friend”.

He is lovingly remembered by his two sisters, Connie Frahm of Magnolia, and Ellann Petersen of Yankton, South Dakota; five nieces and nephews, Lynn (Marlan) De Berg of Luverne, James (Rae) Frahm of Ellsworth, Minnesota, JoAnn (Jim) Gumto of Jackson, Minnesota, Carey (Linda) Petersen of Omaha, Nebraska, and Matt (Kim) Petersen of Burke, South Dakota; and other relatives and numerous friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.