Mathias Michael "Mickey" Mattern

1933 - 2021

1933 - 2021
Next time you call an ambulance in Chicago and are not required to pay cash before being transported to the hospital, remember Mathias Mattern, the Assistant Corporation Counsel for the City of Chicago (1962 – 1972) whose work put an end to the cash-for-transport practice. Mathias, who passed away May 2, 2021, would say he was merely doing his job and that all cases were directed by Mayor Richard J Daley, with whom he worked closely and greatly admired.

Mathias handled cases which settled the long-fought dispute to force the railroads to light viaducts, successfully argued before the US Supreme Court to overturn an FPC-ruling allowing natural gas producers to charge a flat-retail rate, and obtained an ICC-ruling to reduce the fire insurance rating which generated a cost-savings in today's dollars of $13B for Chicagoans.

Mathias, who practiced law for over 55 years from his 111th Street office, was known for his community-service-work, served on the board of Alsip bank, was the corporate attorney for Aurelio's Pizza and became a franchise owner opening restaurants in Oakbrook Terrace (now Villa Park), Downers Grove and Palos Heights.

Born in 1933 to Matthias and Agnes (nee McCormick), Mathias was the first born and big brother to Monica Doody (nee Mattern). After graduating from Leo High School in 1951, Mathias obtained an engineering degree from IIT in 1955 and served as 1st Lieutenant in the First Marine Air Wing, MCAS Iwakuni, Japan (1955 -1957) and active reserve until 1961. In 1962 he obtained his law degree from John Marshall Law School.

Mathias wed the love-of-his-life Lois Ann (nee Aurelio) on November 22, 1958. They were blessed with six children -- Celeste (Steve Wagner), Thomas (Sharon), Angela (Lawrence Hillegonds), John (Charla), Sharon (Jürg Büttiker), and Mathias (Christine). Cherished grandfather of T.F. and Mathias Meagher, William Wagner, Jessica, Thomas, Michael and Joseph Mattern, Elizabeth and Kyla Saah, Anna, Lily and Nora Mattern, Grace and Ariane Büttiker. Proud great-grandfather of Thi, Eden, Theodore, Sabrina, Thomas and Elijah. Fond brother-in-law of Michael (the late Monica) Doody, Carole (the late Gerald) Cara, the late Gerald (Doris) Aurelio, Anthony (Arlene) Aurelio, and Anne (Thomas) Bledsoe. Loving uncle and cousin to many.

Long-time Naperville resident and founding-parishioner of St. Thomas the Apostle, Mathias was known for his giving nature, helping hand, and words of wisdom mixed with dry humor. He will be deeply missed. His wife Lois, children, extended family and friends were dear to Mathias, who was known to host epic barbeques, fishing trips to the Keys, and regular all-expense-paid family trips to Walt Disney World.

Preceded in death by his parents Matthias and Agnes, dear sister Monica, and devoted wife Lois, his legacy walks on in his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and in the seeds-of-kindness he planted throughout his life.

Memorial Visitation on June 1st from 2 – 8pm, Beidelman-Kunsch Funeral Homes & Crematory, 516 S. Washington St., Naperville.

Funeral service June 2nd 10:30am St. Thomas the Apostle, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville. Memorial contributions may be sent to fund the charitable work of Opportunity Knocks

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