Donna J. (Gardiner) Matson

Donna Jean Matson, age 58, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 23, 2013, at her residence. She was born in Racine on January 10, 1955, daughter of Clarence and Leona (Nee: Stege) Gardner.

Donna graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1974.” Following in July she was united in marriage to Robert A. Matson at Lutheran Church of the Resurrection where she had been a former member and Sunday School teacher.

Donna volunteered at the Bethesda Thrift Shop, was a member of the Women’s Auxiliary of U.S. Postal Workers Branch 436, and enjoyed collecting dolls. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother who loved taking care of her family, especially baby sitting her grandchildren. She will be dearly missed.

Surviving are her husband of 39 years, Bob; her children, Robert Matson Jr., Jennifer (John) Bracker; six grandchildren, John and Samantha Bracker, Aidan, Arianna, Ethan and Echo Matson; her mother, Leona Gardner; stepdaughter, Bridgette Zerbach; step-grandchildren, Alice and David; sister and brothers, Darlene Middleton, John (Carol) Gardner, Charles Gardner; her beloved dogs, Chipper and Lady; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her father, Clarence.

Funeral services will be held at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 40 Ohio St., on Monday, December 2, 2013, at 12:30 a.m. with Reverend Melanie Hammond-Clark officiating. Interment will follow at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Sunday at the funeral home from 4-6 p.m. and on Monday at the church from noon  until time of service. Memorials to the American Cancer Society have been suggested.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine    (262) 634-7888