Michael Mathisen

Michael Mathisen lived a full life, staying remarkably active, strong, and sharp for 94 years. He never slowed down even in his 90’s, when he got a golden retriever puppy, continued to climb on ladders, restore antique cars, and go on road trips to visit family in North Carolina. His cancer diagnosis in mid-June came as a surprise and he passed away peacefully in his home on July 26, 2021, after his family provided loving care for a month.

He was born on June 5, 1927 in Chicago, IL, to Mikal and Anna Mathisen, who were both born in Norway and met in Chicago. As a young boy in 1935, he moved to his father’s family farm on the coast in Sirevag, Norway with his parents and younger sister Ruth, returning to Chicago in 1938. After those three formative years, Michael always held a deep love for his Norwegian roots and relatives.

He joined the Navy at the age of 17 in 1944 and served in the pacific during WWII. He was called back to service in the Korean War. It was between his active service that he met Bernice Jorgensen, a fellow Norwegian-American, at a church dance back home in Chicago. They were married in that church in 1950 and celebrated 67 devoted years of love and life together. They raised their two sons, Mark and Brian, in Deerfield, IL.

While living in Deerfield he worked for ITT Harper for 30 years, where he excelled as Chief Engineer in the manufacturing of specialty steel fasteners and metal extrusions. He went on to be co-owner and President of Manufacturing at Extrusion Technology Corporation of America which manufactured specialty metals for the aerospace and defense industries. He and his co-founders moved the company to Bridgeport, CT which brought Michael and Bernice to their home in Orange where they were involved in the local community for over 35 years. 

Michael and Bernice were active members of the Orange Congregational Church, where Michael spent many years volunteering to help to maintain the historic building. They were also longtime members in the Sons of Norway organization and the Connecticut Historic Auto Society. He was deeply admired by friends and family as an extraordinary craftsman who could build or fix anything, from any time period. He brought life back into antique cars, radios, and clocks, that will be treasured by family and friends. He did everything from building a wooden boat, to full restoration of antique automobiles, and always had a maintenance or building project going on around his property or community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Bernice Mathisen, and his sister, Ruth Almeroth. Michael is survived by two sons, Mark (Sonja) Mathisen, and Brian Mathisen; two grandchildren, Maren and Kirsten Mathisen. Both Michael and his wife shared a love of Norwegian culture, passing traditions and knowledge of their ancestry down to their sons and granddaughters.

Michael was a devoted husband, dedicated father, and proud grandfather, who was beloved by all and will be greatly missed. He leaves behind a legacy of stubborn determination, striking dedication, and the courage to continually tackle difficult tasks.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, August 3rd, at 10:00 a.m. at Orange Congregational Church, 205 Meetinghouse Ln, Orange, CT. The church requires registering attendance by email (occhurch@snet.net) or by phone (203-795-9749) as seating will be limited too 100 people, social distancing observed, and masks required. Burial and Military Honors will follow at the church's memorial garden. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Salvation Army.

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