Lloyd Raymond ‘Orville’ Mathiesen
1940 — 2021
Lifetime Tuolumne County resident Lloyd Raymond “Orville” Mathiesen passed away peacefully at home on Dec. 12, 2021. He was born on May 8, 1940, in Jamestown, to Inez and Raymond Mathiesen. Lloyd graduated from Sonora High School in 1958. At the age of 16, Lloyd met the love of his life, Renee, and they married a year later. They had three beautiful daughters together. One of Lloyd and Renee’s favorite pastimes was watching football, especially the 49ers, which was his favorite team. He spent over 50 years in the Laborers Union working construction, where he was in charge of drilling and blasting. Soon after, Lloyd became tribal chairman of Chicken Ranch Rancheria and general manager for Chicken Ranch Casino until his retirement in 2011.
Helping people was one of Lloyd’s passions. He often would deliver food to those in need and had a huge heart for giving to others. He was very wise and loved to share his wisdom and experiences with anyone who listened. Lloyd also had an immense love for all of his many animals. Feeding and taking care of his cows was one of his favorite hobbies, and having his sidekick, Butch, with him made it even more special. Lloyd loved spending his free time cutting wood, hunting at his cabin, and visiting with his friends in Oregon.
Lloyd is survived by his wife of 63 years, Renee Mathiesen; daughters Cindy (Jim) Smith and Donna Mathiesen; sister Clois Erwin; eight grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lloyd was preceded in death by his daughter, Lawana Mathiesen, parents Raymond and Inez Mathiesen, brothers Karl and Loren Mathiesen, granddaughter Danielle Mathiesen, and nephew, Brian Mathiesen.
There will be a service held at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 20, at Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home, 225 E Rose Ave. at Lyons Street in Sonora, followed by a burial at Jamestown City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, and given his great fondness of animals, his request was that any donations in his memory be sent to the Tuolumne County Humane Society.
Notice
AVILES — Carlos Aviles, 92, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, at his home in Mi-wuk Village. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling cremation arrangements.
DICK — Johnny Tyrus Dick, 71, of Tuolumne, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Doctors Medical Center in Modesto. A traditional Going Away Dinner will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Tuolumne MeWuk Elder Center in the Tuolumne Square Shopping Center, 18398 Tuolumne Road, Tuolumne. Cremation is planned. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
DOWNEY — Vonda Downey, 82, of Columbia, died Friday, Dec. 10, at Avalon Care Center in Sonora. Sierra Cremation and Burial Service is handling arrangements.
HUFFORD — Ann Parker Hufford, 87, of Sonora, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, at Avalon Care Center in San Andreas. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling cremation arrangements.
SUNDBORG — A memorial service for Howard David Sundborg will be held at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19, at the Tuolumne County Sheriff’s Posse
Clubhouse, 19130 Rawhide Road in Jamestown. Inurnment will be at the Columbia City Cemetery. Mr. Sundborg, 77, of Sonora, died Monday, Dec. 6, at Adventist Health Sonora. Terzich and Wilson Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Obituary policy
Obituaries, including photos, are published at a pre-paid fee based on size. The deadline is 5 p.m. two business days prior to publication. Call (209) 532-7151, fax (209) 532-5139 or send to obits@uniondemocrat.com.
Memorial ads are published at a pre-paid fee based on size. The deadline is noon two business days prior to publication. Please call (209) 588-4555 for complete information.
Death notices
Death Notices in The Union Democrat are published free of charge. They include the name, age and town of residence of the deceased, the date of death; service information; and memorial contribution information. The deadline is noon the day before publication.