Ielene Mathison

Ielene Rose Mathison, age 88, died May 8, 2022, at her daughter Susan’s home in Lake Shore, MN, where she lived. Funeral services will be held at Kline Funeral Home in Pequot Lakes, MN on Monday, May 23, at 11:00 with visitation starting at 10:00.

Ielene was born December 11, 1933, to Archie Flannigan and Rose (Laager) Flannigan in rural Alberta, MN. She graduated from Alberta High School and married Merle Mathison. They moved to rural Pequot Lakes and operated a dairy farm. Ielene earned extra income by cleaning cabins and waiting tables at area restaurants including the original Bar Harbor. She operated Fisherman’s Inn Cafe in Nisswa for a year then purchased the building that now houses Big Axe Brewery in Nisswa and operated it as Ielene’s Coffee Shop until cancer forced her to sell. In her later years, she was a valued employee at Town and Lake Sportswear and Zaiser’s, both located in Nisswa, MN. Ielene worked or volunteered in Nisswa for over 50 years.
Ielene and Merle divorced and she spent 48 years with her partner, Bob Wallin, in rural Pequot Lakes, MN. Ielene loved her cats Booters, KiKi, and Booters II. She had a green thumb when it came to growing African violets. Every year she looked forward to feeding the hunters-Bob, Wayne and Mark- during hunting season. She would plan elaborate breakfasts and lunches for the guys.

Ielene is survived by her sister, Ardis Nystuen of Buffalo, MN; daughters, Cindy (John) Terwilliger of Lake Shore, MN and Susan (Mark) Young of Lake Shore, MN; four grandchildren, Becky (Bryan) Johnson of Kensington, MN, Lee (Christie) Terwilliger of Alexandria, MN, Tyler (Hailey) Young of Lauderdale, MN and Rylie Young of Anchorage, AK; two great grandchildren, Christine (Grant) Goldader, Ford Johnson and one due in September who she was looking forward to meeting; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; infant son, Myron Lee; daughter, Sandra Hamilton; and partner, Bob Wallin.

The family would prefer memorials towards the Nisswa Area Historical Society where Ielene was a dedicated volunteer for many years.

Interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery in Nisswa following the service and lunch.