Dean Matthias

Matthias, Dean J.

Dean J. Matthias, age 73, of 3421 State Hwy. 147, Two Rivers, entered into eternal rest Tuesday, October 15, 2013 at St. Mary's Home at Felician Village in Manitowoc. Dean was born March 12, 1940 in Manitowoc to the late Arland and Irene Brunner Matthias and has been a lifelong area resident. He was a 1958 graduate of Lincoln High School. Dean served his country in the United States Marines. He married the former Lillian Reif on July 28, 1962 at St. Boniface Catholic Church in Manitowoc. Dean worked as a meat cutter for Brunner's of Branch, and worked construction for the Bechtel and Walrich Construction Companies for many years. He also was a dairy farmer in Kellnersville, Potter, and Maribel. After he retired from farming, he bought, restored and sold antique tractors. He was a man of great faith and a member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot where he served for many years as a Eucharistic Minister. Dean had a positive influence on everyone he knew, and believed in the goodness of others. He was very good friend to so many people. He enjoyed tractor pulling. He had a great love for his entire family, especially his grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Dean is survived by his loving wife: Lillian, and by his children: Lori and Bill Rexses, of Francis Creek, Michael Matthias, of Kellnersville, Jody Van Horn, of Cedar Park, TX, Kim and Michael Weber, of Mishicot, Donna and Joe Cornils, of Two Rivers, Kelly and Jon Miller, of Manitowoc, Mary and John "Buddy" Finnel, of Mishicot, Tracy Matthias, and her fiance: Curt Pozdolski, of Manitowoc, Jennifer and Shad Winget, of Francis Creek, Sara and Robert Grossheim, of Maribel, Patrick and Kari Matthias, of Two Rivers, 33 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren and a forth-coming great-grandchild. He is further survived by three brothers: Jon (Diane) Matthias, of Manitowoc, Joe (Carol) Matthias, of Branch, Daniel Matthias, of Manitowoc, four sisters: Annette Andropolis, of Sturgeon Bay, Eileen (John) Kapust, of WA, Mary Lynne Matthias, and her husband: Kevin Bacon, of Sturgeon Bay, Patty (Ken) Meir, of TX, and by his brothers-in-law, and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many special friends. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by two brothers, James and Dennis Matthias.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Mishicot, with the Reverend John Becker officiating, with entombment in the Knollwood Mausoleum, Hwy. 310, Manitowoc. Relatives and friends may call from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, at the Lambert-Eckert Funeral Home of Mishicot. There will be a 7:00 p.m. parish wake service Friday evening at the funeral home. Visitation will continue after 9:00 a.m. on Saturday at the church, until the time of service at 11:00 a.m. Military rites will be accorded by the Mishicot VFW Kempen-Staudinger-Terens Post #7753 in the church parking lot following the Mass. The Matthias family would like to extend a very special thank you to all of Dean's caregivers for the special care and compassion given to Dean during his illness. Your kindness will always be remembered.