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Submitted: 8/10/24 • Approved: 8/13/24 • Last Updated: 8/16/24 • R276099-G276099-S3
Cathi Jo Mattison
October 27, 1953 - October 7, 2023
Cathryn “Cathi” (Rausch) Mattison passed away peacefully on October 7, 2023, with her children by her side.
Cathi was born in Vermillion, South Dakota on October 27, 1953, to Wayne and Marge (Wagner) Rausch. She was the 2nd of 3 children and only sister to Steven and David. The family moved to Sioux Falls in 1956. After graduating from Washington High School in 1971, she attended the University of South Dakota in Vermillion and obtained a social work degree in 1975.
Soon after graduating, she began her career in the financial brokerage industry at A.G. Edwards and continued with Merrill Lynch for 38 years until her retirement in 2020. She was a dedicated and talented Senior Registered Client Associate and cultivated special relationships with her coworkers and clients. The Merrill Lynch family was a very special part of Cathi’s life.
Cathi had two beautiful children with Sheldon Hage. Becoming their mother brought joy and happiness to her life. Her children meant the world to her and made her life full.
In March of 1995, she met the love of her life Dan Mattison. They married on September 21, 1996 and shared 24 happy and loving years together, they were everything to each other. They traveled whenever they had the chance, including a memorable trip to Italy, a dream for both Cathi and Dan. Their favorite places to visit were Arizona and the Black Hills of South Dakota. Cathi shared her love of cats, art, and cooking with Dan.
Family was everything to Cathi. She was a caretaker, supporter, and protector to her children Chris and Liz Hage, and their partners Caitlin Schneider and Greg Noethlich. Her family includes her mother, Marge Rausch, brother, David Rausch, and his wife Karen. She had a special relationship with Dan’s sisters, Kristi (William) Schmidley, LeeAnn (Glen) Monzo, and Faye Mattison. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dan Mattison, father, Wayne Rausch, and brother, Steven Rausch.
Being the strong and brave woman that Cathi was, she fought her devastating cancer diagnosis with courage and grace. During her fight, Cathi was determined and very happy to celebrate wedding celebrations this past year of her children, Chris and Caitlin, and Liz and Greg. Thanks to many family and friends, she witnessed both unions in style and so much happiness. At the end, she was ready to fulfill her longing to reunite with her soulmate, Dan.
Cathi met everyone with a smile, it was rare she came across anyone in town with whom she couldn’t make a connection. It’s apparent how big her heart was by the number of friends she kept close throughout her lifetime. She was an active member of the community and spent time volunteering with many different organizations.
Cathi will be remembered for her wonderfully dry sense of humor and thoughtful nature towards her family and friends. She was a caretaker to many. She loved decorating her home for every holiday and tended a beautiful garden. When you walked through Cathi’s home you felt warmth, love and a level of class like no other. She was proud of her many collections and heirlooms that made everyone feel comfortable.
She was humbled by the outpouring of love given by family and friends and the medical team that cared for her. Cathi leaves her family and friends with the gift of always having her with us in our hearts. We will always be grateful for the life of our friend and mother, Cathi.
In lieu of flowers, kindly direct memorials to Feeding South Dakota.
Visitation will be at Heritage Funeral Home from 1:00- 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 15, 2023. Cathi's memorial service will be on Monday, October 16, 2023
Contributed on 8/10/24 by 9kat
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Record #: 276099