Vivian Ruth Person

Vivian Person, age 92, of Marshall, Minnesota, died on Monday, March 16, 2020, surrounded by her family at Prairie Home Fieldcrest in Cottonwood, Minnesota. Due to the current public gathering limitations, Private Family Funeral Services will be held at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall. Interment will follow in the Marshall Cemetery. A Public Memorial of Gathering of Family and Friends is being discussed for later in the year. That event would be at the Marshall Evangelical Free Church in Marshall, where Vivian was a charter member.

Any memorials and condolences can be sent to the Person Family at 607 W Marshall Street, Marshall, MN 56258. Your memories and favorite stories of Viv would be very much appreciated during this time of limited contact. Please watch for future announcements.

Vivian Ruth Matheson was born on February 7, 1928, on the family farm in Wyoming, MN, the 4th child of 8, to William and Esther (Pederson) Matheson. With the teachings of her parents and her church, at a young age Vivian became a born-again Christian. All throughout her life, her faith and devotion to the Lord was evident in all facets of her life.

Vivian attended country school across the pasture from her home until 8th grade. She then attended and graduated from Forest Lake High School, in Forest Lake, Minnesota. After graduation, she took a position at Dayton’s Department Store in downtown Minneapolis. Vivian always said she did not want to marry a farmer or a preacher. So her brother introduced her to a nice US Navy man, who had just returned home from WWII. They quickly fell in love and were married at her home church, Coon Lake Covenant Church, on May 8, 1948. Shortly after their marriage, Norm announced to her that he was going to attend Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago. Surprise! Because of her love for God and her husband, she packed up everything they owned and took off for Chicago. Little did she know at that time, this would be the first of 16 moves she would make throughout their life. She served in many congregations alongside her husband, in whatever capacity was needed.

Vivian was a woman of many talents. She baked wedding cakes and many other occasion cakes, she sewed her children’s clothes, wedding dresses dolls & teddy bears, etc. She enjoyed all kinds of crafts and always had a project going somewhere. She had a knack of taking “junk” and turning it into beautiful things for her home, making it a warm, beautiful, inviting place to live or visit – all on the tight budget of a poor minister! And how could we forget all the beautiful quilts that her family and friends received during her lifetime. Everyone received a quilt when they were born, 12th birthdays, graduation, weddings, new babies – and sometimes just because you needed or wanted one. She was a great prayer warrior, and you were fortunate if your name was on her prayer list.

After Norm passed away, she was especially happy to make her home at Boulder Estates where she made many new friends. Her claim to fame was being the “Tenant of the Month” this past February!! She was so grateful for all her friends at the E Free Church who enriched her life in many ways, and always made sure she had a ride to church and other special events.

Vivian is survived by her children, Bonnie (& Jim) Thomasson of Marshall, Duane Person (Leann Sanderson) of Marshall, Lorrie Verstraete of Marshall; daughter-in-law, Jill Person of Marshall; seven grandchildren, Scott Thomasson, Shonda (& Scott) Lawrence, D.J. (& Tricia) Person, Brandi (Terry) Judt, Vanessa (& Siver) Erickson, Nikki (& Sean) Borth, Daniel (& Michelle) Person; 16 great-grandchildren; 1 great-grandchild to be born in April; 1 great-great-grandchild to be born in September; brothers, Don (& Vivian) Matheson, Lee Matheson; sister, Laurel (& Gary) Stenlund; 3 sisters-in-law; 23 nephews; 18 nieces; other extended family, her church family, and many friends made throughout the years at the 12 churches they served.

Greeting her in heaven were her parents; husband, Norm (2006); son, David (2012); siblings, Lester Matheson, Wilbur Matheson, Wendell Matheson, Marge Hinrichs; 1 nephew; 1 niece; and a host of friends & other relatives. What a reunion party they are having!