Frank Parks Matteson

Sutton resident Frank Parks Matteson, 89, died Tuesday, October 4, 2011, at the Sutton Community Home in Sutton, NE. At Frank's request, there will be no funeral or visitation. Graveside services will be 10:30 a.m., Saturday, November 5, 2011, at the Sutton Cemetery with Rev. Judy Nuss officiating. Frank will be inurned along with his dear wife, Betty. Sutton Memorial Chapel is in charge of cremation arrangements. Frank was born May 31, 1922, at the family farm northwest of Sutton to Will D and Lorna D (Parks) Matteson. He received his education at Clay County District 66, Sutton High School, and the University of Nebraska in Lincoln. He married Louise Marcella Retz on December 12, 1946, in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Three daughters were born from their twenty four year union. Frank was remarried to Betty Jo Whittington on November 23, 1971. Frank and Betty happily worked and played together for the next thirty eight years. Frank served in the Army Air Corps from 1940 to 1946. He was one of the few that served duty in Alaska in what was called "the forgotten war". He had many tales to tell and pictures to show of his time spent in Alaska. When the war ended, Frank engaged in various occupations including lumber jacking and dairy farming in the Pacific Northwest, and factory work and truck driving. Frank and his little family moved to Northern California in about 1950. He then began his twenty five year career as a Systems Analyst for the Federal Government in various locations throughout the United States. Frank was a member of the American Legion. Frank's family will always remember him for his fabulous creations from the kitchen and barbeque, and his hospitality. Frank was an avid orchardist and gardener. He enjoyed creating beautiful landscapes and gardens wherever he went. Frank will always be remembered for his consummate storytelling and fabulous sense of humor, as any who knew him well will attest! Frank is survived by his sister and brother in law, Sallie and Dr. Larry Barbee; his daughters, Carole and son in law Fred Matteson, Lorna and son in law Fred Festersen, Francine Matteson and from his second marriage, stepson and daughter in law, Larry and Gail Whittington; and step daughter, Judy Reagan, and their children. Frank loved and enjoyed all of his precious grandchildren, Peter and Jason Compton, Jennifer Bell, Bradly Festersen, Jesse Matteson and Michele Matteson-Richins; along with numerous precious nephews, nieces, great and great great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Will and Lorna Matteson; his beloved wife, Betty, his brothers, Fred and Bill; and sister Cornelia Lang.

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Frank Parks Matteson

May 31, 1922 - October 4, 2011