Beverly J. Matteson, 97, of rural Ontario, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully at Elroy Health Services on Thursday, March 19, 2026.
She was born December 19, 1928 to Otto and Ella (Wrobel) Bray in La Crosse. Beverly was united in marriage to Merlin Matteson on May 12, 1945 at the Lutheran Parsonage in Wonewoc. Farming was her first, favorite, and longest occupation. In addition to that she worked as a CNA, school cook, and many other helpful positions through the years.
Her home and family were the entire center of her life. On her farm she created a large garden every year and canned the produce of it. She was often see carrying her shovel, and bags of weeds along the roadways, woods and fields. There was an ongoing war with weeds she was determined to win. She picked the rocks from her fields. She created a large flower garden, which many friends and family enjoyed. By the way, was most of the lawn. Don’t forget the berries, lilacs, and grapes she enjoyed taking care of. She loved her many cats and enjoyed the birds at the feeders. To find her on the farm, simply call “Yoohoo!” She will respond her location. Her love was poured into her grandchildren and she cherished her adventurous travels with them. Ziplining, flying in an ultralight, and countless amazing things, well into her 80’s. Being incredibly giving, she donated many, many pints of blood throughout her life. She was a lifelong member of St. Paul Lutheran Church, where she was involved in Sunday school teaching and Ladies Aide.
Beverly’s heart was big, her loves and passions many. She grabbed all the good life had to give her and returned all that good multiplied. Photography, cooking, farming, gardening, travel, adventure, faith, and family, and too big of a life to list.
She is survived by her children, Diana Erickson of rural Ontario and Don (Bonnie) Matteson of rural Ontario; five grand-children, Michelle (Phil) Griffith, Chad Matteson, Amy (Duane) Terrell, Sara (Dave) Gorn, and Misti (Shaun) Bloedow; 14 great-grandchildren, and six great-great-grandchildren.
Beverly was preceded in death by her Parents; her husband, Merlin “Dolly” Matteson; her brother, Gerald Bray; granddaughter-in-law, Amy Matteson and sister-in-law, Berdyne Bray.
Funeral services will be Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Hillsboro, with Pastor Conrad Prell and Pastor Jacob Limpert officiating. Burial will be at Fairview Cemetery, near their farm in rural Ontario. Visitation will be Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service.
The Picha Funeral Home of Hillsboro is assisting the family, for online information go to www.pichafuneralhomes.com
