Mathisen, Benjamin A., age 81, died March 26, 2006 in Mesa, AZ. He was a summer resident of Lutsen and lived in Roseville. He spent his winters in Mesa. He was born in Lutsen, May 7, 1924 st Sverre and Nellis (Fensted) Mathisen. He attended Lutsen School and graduated from Grand Marais in 1943. He was a veteran of World War II, Patton’s 3rd Army and was awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in action in Germany. He served in Normandy, northern France, Ardennes, Rhineland and Central Europe. Benjamin was the former owner of Hammond Transfer and Benco Trailers in Minneapolis. He was a member of Tusler Summit Lodge 236 AF & AM, Sons of Norway Nedaros Lodge and American Legion Richfield. He was preceded in death by his mother, Nellie; brother, Sherman; and sister, Helen Jacobs. He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Eleanor (Danielson) of Lutsen; children, Linda E. Mathisen Vloedmans of Houston, TX, Ann L. Mathisen of North Branch and Benjamin A. Mathisen Jr. of St. Paul; sister, Donna Mathisen Dosland of Moorehead; brother, John (Joan) Mathisen of Grand Marais; three grandsons; two granddaughters; three great-grandsons; and two great-granddaughters. Memorial service will be held at Henry W. Anderson Mortuary, 3640 23rd Ave. S., Minneapolis at 1 PM, Saturday June 3. Interment will be in Lutsen Cemetery. Memorials to donor’s choice.