Chris R. Mathes

Chris Robert Mathes

Chris R. Mathes, beloved husband, father and community member, passed away peacefully on February 8, 2007, surrounded by loving family and friends.

Born in Germany, December 1, 1925, Chris grew up in Saarau and then went to Freiburg where he attended business school and was trained in bookkeeping. His life was forever altered in 1943, when he was drafted into the German Air Force and later taken prisoner. He spent two years in American and French prison camps removing mines, then escaped and found his way to friends in Coburg, Germany. There, Chris met and fell in love with Linda Stelzner.

In 1950, Chris immigrated to the United States and began an apprenticeship with his uncle, Kurt Mathes, at Mathes Jeweler’s in Ferndale. He made arrangements to bring Linda to California, but was then drafted by the U.S. Army and sent to Korea. Two years later, he returned from the war, married Linda and settled in Ferndale. Chris bought Mathes Jeweler’s in 1954, when his uncle retired, and spent many happy years repairing clocks, watches and jewelry, as well as operating the retail jewelry store.

Chris was an active member of the community in Ferndale. He belonged to the Ferndale Masonic Lodge and the VFW for over 50 years and was a long time member of the Chamber of Commerce. He served 8 years on the Ferndale City Planning Commission and twelve years on the Ferndale Elementary School Board.

In addition to his work and family, Chris loved to garden and to spend time at his summer cabin near Dinsmore. He and Linda loved to travel. They made several lengthy trips to Europe to visit family and friends and frequently traveled the U.S. by car, bus, and cruise ship.

Chris was cherished by his wife and children. He was always dignified, but maintained a wonderful sense of humor. He will be greatly missed.

Chris is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda; his children, Christina Mathes Baldwin of Napa, Heidi Mathes Brown of Prescott, AZ, and Ralph Mathes of Chico; his sisters, Linde Hill of Rio Dell and Lilo Zacher of Germany; two grandsons, Parker and Jackson; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate Chris’ life will be held on Friday February 23, 2007, at 2:00 p.m. at the Masonic Hall, 212 Frances Street, Ferndale. A reception will follow. Friends and family are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Ferndale Museum; the ALS Association, 27001 Agoura Road, Suite 150, Calabasas Hills, CA 91301 or online www.alsa.org/donate; or the donor’s choice.

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