Philip David Matson

Hancock/Appleton, WI: Philip David Matson, 73, formerly of Hancock now living in Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away in Appleton on October 28, 2023 following a long illness.

Phil was born in Hancock on July 4, 1950 to the late Richard and Betty (Gustafson) Matson and graduated from Hancock High School in 1969. He was employed for a time at Stevenson Chevrolet-Olds until entering the United States Navy during the Vietnam Conflict being stationed in Guam. Following his honorable discharge, he worked at the White Pine Copper Mine. He attended an auto mechanics school and later worked at Broadway Chevrolet in Green Bay as a wrecker driver. Later, he worked as a prison guard at Marquette Branch Prison, at Austin Straubel International Airport with their fire fighting crew, and then at Anchor Foods (now McCain) in Appleton until his ill health forced his retirement.

Phil always liked Chevrolet cars and he built and drag-raced a 1957 Chevy at local drag strips in Negaunee and Kaukauna, Wisconsin. He collected many magazines over the years related to cars.

Philip had been married to Rosemary Dorn of Appleton. He is survived by distant relatives.

A graveside service will be held at Lakeside Cemetery in Hancock in the spring with the Copper Country Veterans Association conducting military honors.

The O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home of Hancock is in charge of his cremation arrangements. Send online condolences to www.oneilldennisfh.com. Any relatives of Phil should please contact the O'Neill-Dennis Funeral Home at (906) 482-0660.

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