Silas Matthies

Silas Matthies passed away in Kalispell Montana on November 26, 2025. He was born in Portland Oregon September 12, 1930 to Silas F. and Myrtle L Matthies. He grew up in Ogden, Utah. After graduation from Washington State University and service in the Korean War as a 1st Lieutenant, he married Barbara Hunter and was employed by General Mills Inc. He also attended Harvard Business School.

He spent 36 years with General Mills, retiring as Director of Grain Operations. Si was active in grain industry affairs, serving as President of several industry associations including the Terminal Elevator Grain Merchants Association, American Oat Association and the National Grain and Feed Association. He also served on the Board of Directors of numerous industry related organizations including the Chicago Board of Trade and the Minneapolis Grain Exchange, which he was a member of for over 65 years.

Upon retirement Si, and his wife Jane, moved to Montana, living first in Ronan and later in Kalispell. During his retirement years he actively consulted in the United States, Canada, 5 continents and over 50 countries throughout the world with particular focus on the restructuring of the food processing and grain industries.

He was a mentor to many and was well-respected in his field. His passing has left a great emptiness in the hearts of his family. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him.

He is survived by wife Jane, sister-law Susan Matthies of Pasadena California, sons Si (Katie), Peter (Lisa), daughters Susan Matthies and Peggy Matthies, seven wonderful grandchildren, Jacob (Allison), Emily (Matt), Silas, Gretchen (Jack), Sam (Renee), Glenna (Ben) and Hunter (Syndey) and nine beautiful great grandchildren. No services are planned. Following cremation, final remains will be interned at the ancestral home in Pomeroy Washington. Contributions preferred to the Shriners Hospitals for Children - https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/give/119312/?utm_source=shcmain#!/donation/checkout