Carl J. "Bud" Mathison, age 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2014 at home with his family by his side after a very courageous battle with cancer. He is now reunited with his beautiful daughter Connie, who passed away at the age of 17. He was born in Appleton on June 14, 1935 to the late Carl and Henrietta "Hatty" (Graper) Mathison, and he resided in the Freedom area for the majority of his life. Carl served in the Army for 2 years, from 1958 through 1960, stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, spending an additional four years in the Reserves. He married Carol Luniak at St. Patrick Parish in Menasha on April 18, 1964. Carl passionately enjoyed sports and shared that love with those in his life through his participation and coaching. Among his personal achievements were a perfect 300 bowling game and a hole in one while participating in his golf league. Carl also enjoyed playing slow-pitch softball with friends for many years. Carl freely shared his knowledge and coached all of his children throughout the years in little league, softball, and basketball, and was an active member of the Freedom Athletic Association. Carl was recognized for his many contributions when he was awarded the Vernon "Shorty" Gerritts Award in 2002. Carl worked as a Union Mason for nearly 40 years, and took great pride in his work throughout the Fox Valley. Carl and Carol were blessed to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in 2014.

One of the greatest joys of Carl's life were his eight grandsons ranging in age from six to eighteen. He loved talking to them and attending their sporting events, and was always very proud of their achievements. Carl always had an endless supply of chocolate candy that he would sneak to them when they came to visit. Carl recently became an avid "texter" and iPad user. As his mobility became more limited, he became a master at putting puzzles together and enjoyed spending time with others in this pastime.

Carl is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carol; two sons: Christopher (Mary) of Oconomowoc; Craig (Amy) of Freedom; and daughter Carrie (Kevin) Thome of Cottage Grove; grandchildren: Samuel, Maxwell, Michael, James, William, Henry, Casey and Corey; brothers: Robert (Betty) and Marshall Mathison; and sister Dorothy Wappler. He is further survived by members of Carol's family, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Carl was preceded in death by his daughter Connie and sister Phyllis.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (1776 E. Main St, Little Chute) beginning at 4:00 p.m. until time of funeral at 6:00 p.m. The Rev. Walter Steinbach will officiate. Committal will occur at Greenlawn Cemetary, Neenah.

Carl's family would like to express deepest gratitude to Dr. Bar-Lev and the staff members of the Martha Siekman Cancer Center for the excellent care provided, and for the ThedaCare at Home Hospice staff for their incredible compassion and service.