Laurel N. Mathews, 85

Blue Earth – Laurel Mathews, age 85, of Blue Earth passed away peacefully at her home Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. A funeral service was held Thursday, Jan. 13, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Blue Earth, Rev. Matthew Lorfeld officiated. Burial was at Riverside Cemetery. Online condolences can be left and the service was recorded and can be viewed at www.pattonfh.com.

Laurel Naomi was born May 21, 1936 to Anfin and Georgina (Larson) Halvorson in Rake, Iowa. She was one of five children. She was baptized Sept. 4, 1936 and right after she was baptized the family went to Norway for a year. She was confirmed June 10, 1951 at the North Blue Earth Lutheran Church, attended country school and graduated from Wells in 1954. She was well known for her angelic singing voice and ability to play the organ. On Aug. 3, 1958, she married the love of her life, Arno Mathews. Together they worked on the farm, raised hogs, cattle, chickens, elk as well as several other strays that Arno brought home. Most importantly, they raised a family of three children together. Laurel’s world revolved around that family and the families they would have. She enjoyed cooking, baking and canning. Frequent shopping trips and thrifting also made her happy, but traveling with Arno to Hawaii, Alaska and Florida, to name a few places, always were dear to her heart. She also served on and attended different committees at St. Paul’s.

Left to cherish such wonderful memories are her children, Michael (Brandi) Mathews, of Blue Earth, David (Robin) Mathews, of Blue Earth and Lori Meyer, of Blue Earth; her beloved grandchildren, Christopher (Robyn) Mathews, Elizabeth (J.J.) Mazzara, Taylor (fiancé Sophi Nelson) Meyer, Cody (Cassie) Meyer, Lilly Mathews and Seth Mathews; two precious great-grandchildren, Blake and Aubrey Mathews and one on the way; sisters-in-law, Joanne Halvorson and Eleanor Schlaak; as well as many other nieces, nephews and extended family.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Arno; brothers Harland (Millie) Halvorson and Terry Halvorson, sisters, Rose (Allan) Faleide and Jeannine (Robert) Kitson.