Wilbur Matthes

WILBUR MATTHES

Solon

Wilbur "Bill" Matthes, 80, of Solon, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2017, at Mercy Hospice surrounded by family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 19. at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Solon. with Father Tim Sheedy officiating. Military rites will follow the service. Visitation is from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 18, at the church, where a rosary will be recited at 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Camp Courageous.

Bill was born on the Fourth of July in 1937, son of Wilbur Matthes Sr. and Leona (Horak) Matthes. He grew up in Iowa City and attended the University of Iowa, then served in the Army from 1960 to 1963. On June 13, 1964, Bill married the love of his life, Donna (Kral) Matthes at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City.

For 32 years, Bill worked as a hydrologic technician supervisor for the U.S. Geological Survey. After retiring in 1992, Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, working on the farm, maintaining the greens at Saddleback and Fairview golf courses, hunting and fishing. He was a member of the Solon Optimists Club, Solon American Legion and various other clubs and organizations.

Bill is survived by his wife, Donna; their children, Burl Matthes (Kathleen) of Solon and Valerie Heeney (Scott) of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; six grandchildren, Amanda, Lea, Travis, Kenedy, Hailey and Kayla; and one great-grandchild, Riley.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bill Sr. and Leona Matthes; and a sister, Mary Lee Zahner.

Online condolences may be made at www.lensingfuneral.com.