Brayden James Mathis

Brayden J. Mathis, 22, of Lansing, IA, died Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 25th, at 11:00 AM at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Lansing, with Fr. Joseph Sevcik officiating. Burial will be at Gethsemane Catholic Cemetery, in Lansing. Friends may greet the family from 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM Monday at the church where there will be a 2:30 PM rosary followed by a scripture service. There will also be a one-hour visitation before mass at the church on Tuesday. Thornburg – Grau Funeral Home in Lansing is handling the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to honor Brayden's memory.
Brayden was a vibrant soul who brought joy and laughter to everyone he encountered. His infectious sense of humor and comedic spirit could light up any room, making even the toughest days a little brighter.
Brayden James Mathis was born February 13, 2003, in La Crosse, WI, the son of Steven Mathis and Dana Welsh. He attended Kee High School in Lansing, where he graduated in 2022. Throughout his high school years, he enjoyed playing baseball, basketball, running track and cross country, and participating in speech and drama.
Brayden's passion for the outdoors was only rivaled by his love for his family. He was a devoted son, brother, and friend, always putting the needs of his loved ones before his own. Though he often struggled to listen when his mother asked him to take out the trash and wash the dishes, his playful defiance was just one of the many quirks that made him so endearing. His infectious smile and warm heart touched the lives of everyone he met, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
In a testament to his generous spirit, Brayden chose to be an organ donor. Even in his passing, he has given the gift of life to others in need, a decision that reflects his caring nature and desire to help those around him. His legacy will continue through the lives he has impacted, reminding us all of the importance of compassion and kindness.
Brayden is survived by his loving parents, Steven Mathis and Dana Welsh; siblings: Malerie (Lucas Lashock), Claudia (Aaron Peckham), Keirsten (George Glass), Madison (Dustin Harrington), and Dawson (TBD); paternal grandfather Jerry Mathis; maternal grandmother Betty Welsh; his aunts and uncles: Debra Welsh, Diane (Randy) Ruth, Denise (Tim) Pavlovec, Jayme (Gloria) Welsh, Dawn (Rich) Kuster, Rick (Julie) Welsh, Danette (Dwight) Jones, Deanna Gerholdt, Danielle (Jason) Howe, Dacia (Jason) Sommer, Lance Welsh, Destiny (Leo) Teixeira, Julie (Wayne) Knight, Maryann (Jeff) Gramlich; and a host of cousins, who will all carry his memory in their hearts forever. He is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather Aloysius "Lloyd" Welsh, paternal grandmother Karen Mathis, and a uncle Andy Welsh.
Rest in peace, Brayden. Your spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who loved you.
Casketbearers are Jayme Welsh, Rick Welsh, Lance Welsh, Jeff Gramlich, Landon Reams, and Noah Diersen.