William Michael Mathes
Born: February 2nd, 1940
Died: June 14th, 2014
Obituary
William "Bill" Mathes, 74, of Burlington, died at 4:05 AM Saturday, June 14, 2014, at his home in Burlington.
Born February 2, 1940, in Burlington, he was the son of George Herman and Rosemary Donohoo Mathes. On August 26, 1967, he married Rita J. Bruty in Washington, IA.
Bill worked as an electrical engineer and in electronic quality control, retiring in 2011.
He was a 1958 graduate of Notre Dame High School. He attended Saint Ambrose University for one year, and received his Associate Degree in Electronic Technology from Southeastern Community College in 1965.
He was a U.S. Coast Guard Veteran, serving from 1959 until 1963.
He was a member of St. Paul's Catholic Church. Throughout his lifetime, Bill was also a member of Eagles, Elks, Moose Lodge, and the Des Moines County Genealogy Society. He loved any water activity and was known for his famous "slush bucket" while swimming. He also enjoyed golfing, fishing, photography, and genealogy. He was an avid contributor to "Letters to the Editor" of the Burlington Hawkeye, a devoted University of Notre Dame football fan, and was known by his friends and family as a history buff.
Survivors include his wife, Rita of Burlington; three daughters, Sarah Ellen Mathes, Patricia Kay Mathes, and Jennifer Jo (Troy) Cagle all of Burlington; five grandchildren, Lindsay Amacker, Hannah Green, Connor Green, Chloe Cagle, and Megan Paladino; four brothers, George (Jacqueline) Mathes of Woodstock, IL, John (Judi) Mathes of Broken Arrow, OK, James (Charlene) Mathes of Springfield, IL, and Robert Mathes of Galesburg, IL; seven sisters, Ann Patterson of Burlington, Marigrace Pennebaker of Burlington, Jane (Dave) Learned of Aransas Pass, TX, Katie (Dan) Mertens of Mount Pleasant, Eileen (Larry) Vorwerk of Burlington, Rosie (Mark) Kaiser of Jefferson City, MO, and Barb (Jay) Brown of Burlington; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and three brothers, Richard, Vincent, and Francis Mathes.
Visitation will be from noon until 7:00 PM with the family to receive friends following a 5:00 PM Rosary Service until 7:00 PM Monday, June 16, 2014, at Thielen Funeral Home.
The Funeral Mass of the Resurrection for Mr. Mathes will be 10:00 AM Tuesday, June 17, 2014, at St. Paul's Catholic Church with Father Marty Goetz as the Celebrant and full military honors rendered by the Burlington Area Veterans Honor Guard. Music will be provided by the Des Moines County Resurrection Choir. A time of food and fellowship will be held at St. Paul's Parish following the service. Cremation will be entrusted to the care of Thielen Crematory following the service. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery at a later date.
A memorial has been established for Great River Hospice.
- See more at: http://www.thielenfuneralhome.com/obituary/William-Bill-Michael-Mathes/Burlington-IA/1390844#sthash.YaBSG7a9.dpuf