Kelly Lee Mathey

Kelly Lee Mathey

Kelly Mathey Obituary

Published by Weekly Journals on Aug. 30, 2007.
Kelly Lee Mathey

Born: Nov. 9, 1956; in Sycamore

Died: Aug. 24, 2007

He was a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar



SYCAMORE - Kelly Lee Mathey, 50, of Sycamore died Friday, August 24, 2007.

He was born Nov. 9, 1956, in Sycamore, the son of Albert and Betty (Clarner) Mathey. He was the third of five sons. He was raised in Sycamore and attended West School.

As a youth, Kelly was in little league and was an all star player. He graduated from the Sycamore High School with honors. He was a member of the National Honor Society and an Illinois State Scholar. He excelled in math and science winning several awards and scholarships. He was the Little 7 Conference slide rule champion.

At the end of his first year at NIU, he was in a terrible car accident, which cut short his academic career. Kelly could often be seen around town just sitting in his car, reading or listening to his radio. He also enjoyed going to local restaurants and pubs to share conversation with his friends. Known for his extreme generosity, Kelly would provide rides and run errands for people in need. Kelly has provided courier service for various companies over the years, including B&O Auto, Neil's Truck and Repair, Mark's Machine Shop and McMillan & Associates.

Kelly was a loving son, brother, uncle and friend. He will be greatly missed by his mother, Betty Mathey; four brothers, Ken (Jayne Klein) Mathey, Kevin (Amy) Mathey, Keith (Kate) Mathey and Kurt (Barb) Mathey, all of Sycamore; 13 nieces and nephews, Jason (Melissa) Mathey of Sycamore, Kory (Sarah) Mathey and Kasey Mathey, both of Waterman, Kennifer, Klint, Kathleen, Kenzie, Trevor, Tracey, Taylor, Taryn, Zach and Michael Mathey, all of Sycamore; and a great nephew and great niece, Logan and Lia Mathey.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert; his maternal and paternal grandparents; two aunts, Carolyn Davis and Marilyn Quitno; one uncle, Walter "Bud" Clarner; and one cousin, Don Clarner.

A memorial has been established for Kelly Mathey in care of the Butala Funeral Home and Crematory, 1405 DeKalb Ave., Sycamore, IL 60178. For information, call (815) 895-2833.

Sign the guest book at www.WeeklyJournals.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign Kelly Mathey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 14, 2007

Patrick Harfst posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2007

Karen Sue Dobson posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2007

Cheryl (Hoyt) Zambroski posted to the memorial.

Patrick Harfst

September 14, 2007

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Karen Sue Dobson

September 12, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with the Mathey family. Kelly was a talented person who touched many lives. May he rest in peace with the Lord.

Cheryl (Hoyt) Zambroski

September 11, 2007

Dear Mathey Family, I was so sorry to hear of Kelly's death. I remember Kelly very well from junior high and high school in Sycamore. He was a wonderful guy that I know will be missed by many. You will all be in my prayers, Sincerely,

Karen Harbert

September 10, 2007

I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Kelly. He was such a sweet and kind person. It is still hard to believe that he is gone. Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. May God bless you always. . .

Jeff & Linda Roland

September 7, 2007

To the MATHEY Family.

Even when those who are close to us die...we never stop loving them.
We can feel that they are always with us...all around us loving us right back.
The fond memories of Kelly are the comfort that you will keep in your heart FOREVER.
We are never ready to say goodbye to a loved one.
May we always remember how he touched each one of our lives.
Kelly will be greatly missed & we are sorry for your loss.
The very best tribute we can give to one who is no longer here is to live a GREAT life ourselves.

Ross Borland

September 3, 2007

Kelly always had the ability to make people laugh as well as think about life in a deeper way. As the years grow more gray my fond memories of Kelly remain clear. My heart-felt condolences go out to the Mathey Family and all of Kelley's many friends.

Millie McCabe

September 3, 2007

dear Mathey Family

My thoughts are with you all at this time. Kelly was a Special kind of a person.

Margie (Rasmusse ) Topol

September 2, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Kelly.

kathy quitno

September 1, 2007

we have all lost a gentle man within kelly. hopefully there is enough of him in each of us that he touched to keep his kind words and smiles going around this world just for him. i know we will miss his silly little laugh everytime we see something that remindes us of him.
we love you all aunt betty and family.
the quitno's

Alan Bauer

August 30, 2007

My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Through the grace of God, you will endure and find peace, just as Kelly has done. God bless the Mathey family.

Ken & Norma Clarner

August 30, 2007

Betty,Ken,Kevin,Keith & Kurt,
We are so very sorry about Kelly. We love all of you very very much, you are such a loving family. You are all very special to us and you will be in our prayers always. Love always

Ken & Norma Clarner

August 30, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Tom Hubbard

August 30, 2007

I can only share the thoughts of so many other classmates, Kelly was truly a remarkable person who will be missed dearly by all those who knew him, I too have many found thoughts of growing up in Sycamore, Little League Baseball, Jr High and High School, most of those postive moments include times spent with Kelly, he will always be part of all of us of the class of 74, we were and always will be family peace be with all of you and most of all to Kellys family,

Pr. Bruce Hindenburg

August 30, 2007

May God be with you during your time of grief and sorrow ... but rejoice, for the Lord is good and His mercy endures forever. Ps. 118

Pete & Kathy Lazar

August 30, 2007

We were very sad to hear about Kelly's passing. Although we didn't know him well, he made an ever lasting impression. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you. God Bless.

Neil Minnihan

August 30, 2007

Kelly will be missed by so many people as he has touched the lives of so many. Let the stories begin as they are now cherished memories - REST IN PEACE KELLY
Neil and Cindy Minnihan

Jerry Parsons

August 29, 2007

Kelly's quick wit and wisdom enhanced many lives. The SHS class of 1974 was blessed to have grown up with Kelly. My condolences to the Mathey and Clarner families.

Cathy & Brian Giddings

August 29, 2007

Our thoughts are with you, he will be greatly missed.

Lori Viereckl

August 29, 2007

To The Mathey Family: I am so sorry for your loss, Kelly was always so sweet and willing to help anyone. He will be missed by many.

Jean Quinn Godfrey

August 29, 2007

To the Mathey family,

I am sorry to hear of a fellow SHS classmate's passing. Kelly was loved by many and will be missed.
My thought and prayers are with you.

Jean Quinn Godfrey

August 29, 2007

To the Mathey family,

I am sorry to hear about a fellow SHS classmate's passing. Kelly was loved by many and will be missed . My prayers and thoughts are with you.

Elaine Anderson

August 29, 2007

Dear Betty & Familey
My thoughts & prayers are with you all.God Bless you.
Elaine Anderson DeKalb,Il

Dena Funkhouser

August 29, 2007

Kelly was friends with my brother Dave and came to our house often while we were going to West School. I remember that they were always up to some sort of mischief! Our family has a favorite story of Kelly and Dave during the West School years that still makes us laugh and smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Dena Cliffe Funkhouser

SHIRLEY & JOHN GORBET

August 29, 2007

OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE MATHEY FAMILY. WE WERE VERY SORRY TO HEAR OF KELLY'S PASSING. WE REMEMBER THE YEARS WE LIVED OUT IN FOY ADDITION. OUR BOYS SPENT MANY HOURS PLAYING BALL AND HAVING FUN TOGETHER. KELLY WAS A VERY NICE YOUNG MAN. HE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED.

Shelley Carnahan Hubble

August 29, 2007

My condolences to the Mathey and Clarner families. I didn't know Kelly well, but had several conversations with him before I moved to Houston and I thought he was such a kind and bright young man.

Zan Henigan Lombardo

August 29, 2007

I went to West school, junior high and high school with Kelly and saw him when I was next door at Rundles. When I came back to Sycamore to do the eye painting for the library, he sent practically the whole Mathey family over to be included. I am saddened by this news. Blessings on the family. Know that though you'll never forget him, after awhile it gets easier to remember.

Bryce Henson

August 28, 2007

My condolences to the Mathey family. I went to Jr. High and High School with Kelly. Even though it has been years since I have visited with him, he will always be a part of my Sycamore memories.

David Larson

August 28, 2007

I knew Kelly for a short time in the late '80's. I would see him occasionally at one of the local restaurants drinking coffee and chatting with people he knew. Kelly was a very kind individual and was a person of above average intellegence. It was always stimulating to have a discussion with him. He'll be missed.

Carol Ripley

August 28, 2007

I am so sad to hear of Kelly's passing. I just loved him. We spent countless hours talking either over coffee or beer. He was a great guy who will be sorely missed. Please accept my sincerest condolences. Peace to you all.

Paula Brumley Bennington

August 28, 2007

Dear Mathey Family, I was so sad to hear of Kelly's passing. No matter how much time had passed, he never failed to recognize me, and always had a kind word for me. I enjoyed the many conversations we shared, and I know he will be missed by so many people.
May God's Peace be with you all.

Sam Foster

August 28, 2007

I was deeply saddened to hear the news of Kelly. Went all of the way through school with him and saw him on my occasional visits to Sycamore. My thoughts are with family members- we will all miss him.

Dr. Kresse and staff Virgil Vet Clinic

August 28, 2007

We were saddended to hear about Kelly. He was a good client of ours and we will always remember his love of animals, his dedication to them and how he went out of his way to make sure his cats were taken care of. He was a kind person with a big heart and will be missed by many, both people and animals alike. Our condolences to his family.

Donna Johnson

August 28, 2007

To all the Mathey family and friends:

My condolences to all of you. Although I didn't know Kelly well, we went to high school together, were in some of the same classes, and served as Student Council officers together. He is very much a part of my high school memories, and when I have those memories of him, I always remember him smiling or laughing. I was touched to read of the great compassion he continued to show, even after being dealt a very tough hand in life. He will be missed.

Mac McIntyre

August 28, 2007

My prayers are with the Mathey family. Kelly and I were friends from jr high on. He'll always be on my list of good guys and I miss him already.

Dan & Denise Setchell

August 28, 2007

Our sincere condolences to the whole Mathey family. God Bless.

Linda Lawrence

August 28, 2007

I didn't know Kelly well, but when I'd see him he would always call me by name and show he was glad to see me. I am so sad at his passing and offer my sympathy to his family.

Cheryl Klingenberg

August 28, 2007

Shock,disbelief,sill lost for words. Kelly always had a kind word and a smile to share. He will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to all the family.

Lynn Rundle Zickefoose

August 28, 2007

I was sorry to hear of Kelly's passing. I grew up next door to Kelly and would talk or play with him on occasion. He will always be part of my childhood memories.

Thomas Johnson

August 27, 2007

Trips back to the hometown will have less flavor without the thought of an occassional brilliant and fun conversation with my old classmate Kelly. My sympathy to the family and all of Kellys friends.

August 27, 2007

To the Mathey Family. I am very sorry for your loss. Madonna Marsden Sivwright

CHUB & BONNIE ERWIN

August 27, 2007

WE WERE DEEPLY SADDENED BY THE PASSING OF KELLY. WE ALWAYS ENJOYED KELLY'S COMPANY, FRIENDSHIP AND LOYALTY. OUR CONDOLENCES TO THE MATHEY FAMILY.

Mary (Van Deventer) Becker

August 27, 2007

I lived across the street from the Mathey's for years. I didn't know Kelly as well as the other boys, but he was always nice and stopped to talk. I would see him around town and give him a ride when he needed it. He will be missed by all. My thoughts are with the Mathey family.

tom sibley

August 27, 2007

sorry to hear about kelly. good person, as are all the matheys. my thoughts are with you.

Barbara Ramsey

August 27, 2007

Dear Mrs. Mathey & Family,

I was so very sorry to read about Kelly's passing. We went to high school together and remember an incredibly bright and talented young man. The thoughts of many are with you at this time.

Sincerely yours,

Adrienne Forbes

August 27, 2007

I really enjoyed talking with Kelly, and he was always so generous to all of us girls who worked at Ski's. I hope that he has found peace. My thoughts and prayers are with the Mathey family.

Sharon Herrmann-Smith

August 27, 2007

I am so sorry to hear about Kelly. He was always so pleasant when I would run into him. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

Darin & Gina Yunek

August 27, 2007

I got to sit & chat with Kelly at Cub and Spanks a few times. That's a great memory I'll always have. My thoughts are with his family.

Marna Niebergall de Rojas

August 27, 2007

I was deeply saddened to read the news of Kelly's passing. He was a dear friend of mine in High School. I admired his brilliant mind and always enjoyed the thought provoking conversations that we had. I hold Kelly's family, the Matheys, in my heartfelt prayers, and trust that my friend is now at peace for all of eternity. In his own generous way, Kelly touched many lives and he has left his gentle footprints forever in our hearts.

Joyce (Byrd) Westlake-Davis

August 27, 2007

My heart goes out to you at this time and in the days ahead.

Showing 1 - 50 of 50 results

Make a Donation
in Kelly Mathey's name

How to support Kelly's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Kelly Mathey's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign Kelly Mathey's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 14, 2007

Patrick Harfst posted to the memorial.

September 12, 2007

Karen Sue Dobson posted to the memorial.

September 11, 2007

Cheryl (Hoyt) Zambroski posted to the memorial.