Ronald E. Mathews

Ronald Eugene Mathews, age 77, died Monday, June 3, 2013 at home under the care of hospice with his wife by his side. He was born November 26, 1935 to Harold and Dorothy (Jessup) Mathews in Austin, Minnesota. Ron graduated from Elkton High School in 1953. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1958 studying radar repair. Ron married the former Dixie Benson on June 11, 1960 in Grand Meadow, Minnesota. Ron graduated in 1963 from University of Minnesota with a degree in forestry. He joined the U.S. Forest Service and his first station was in Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Through his career he served in Centerville, Missouri, Manistee, Michigan, Laconia, New Hampshire and he was the District Ranger in Winona, Missouri. They moved to Rhinelander in 1974 where he joined the Nicolet National Forest as a staff person in the supervisor office, retiring in 1990. After his retirement he worked a few years with Wisconsin Agricultural Statistics Service. He also served the Forest Service Passport in Time archeology study in the Flat Top Wilderness in Colorado. Ron’s great love was for his sons and their families; they refurbished old cars and attended the Iola Car shows driving their vehicles, it was great family time. He loved to travel and plan the trips; many camping trips were to Colorado and the western states, along with backpacking. He was an active member of the First United Methodist Church serving as finance and administrative chair and the Prospector’s Investment club; he also participated in the disciple study group, adult Sunday class and the men’s prayer breakfast, where he learned how to peel potatoes. Through the years he was a volunteer for the Boy Scout Councils, 4-H resource person, Camp Fire Crew member and for the Methodist church mission serving in Maine. He taught wood working to his grandsons and made wooden supplies for his wife for decorative painting. Ron was a busy man.

Ron is survived by his wife, Dixie, his two sons, Monte (April) of Clinton, IL and Marty (Kelly) of Rhinelander, twelve grandchildren; Melinda, Denise, Katie, Seth, Brett, Kent, Sean, Neil, Kirk, Lauren Dixie, Marty Jr. and Mark and his siblings; Darlene Meineke of Allen, TX, Beverly (Donald) Temte of Bloomington, MN, William (Pat) of Rockford, IL, David (Pat) Lake City, MN, Keith Mathews of Wakefield, MI and Greg of Ventura, CA.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

A memorial service will be held Friday, June 7, 2013 at 11:00am at First United Methodist Church with Pastor Rebecca Niese officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, June 6, 2013 at the funeral home from 4:00pm until 7:00pm and also Friday at church beginning at 10:00am until the time of service. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and leave an online condolence at hildebrandfh.com.