Frank A. Matheis
Frank Matheis died peacefully at Springfield’s St. Johns Hospital Tuesday evening at the age of 92. Frank was born in Springfield, IL on Nov. 22, 1920 to George and Elizabeth Hartmann Matheis. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Cathedral High School where he played baritone in the band for four years. In 1942 he entered the Army Air Corp and served in North Africa and Italy for the duration of WWII.
Upon his return home, he was engaged to Mary Francis Richiusa. They were married on May 26, 1946. They remained inseparable companions for nearly 67 years of marriage.
After their marriage, Frank worked at and helped to expand the Matheis Hardware. In 1956 Frank was employed by the State of Illinois where he remained until his retirement from the Dept. of Transportation in 1981.
Above all else, Frank was devoted to his wife, Mary and to his family. He gave generously of his time and he would do anything possible to help his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Frank was an optimistic person who enjoyed the simple things in life. He liked Sunday drives, eating out and he enjoyed the State Fair immensely.
Frank was a devout Catholic his entire life and was a member of Cathedral parish.
Frank loved baseball and was a devoted Cubs fan.
Frank and Mary both enjoyed traveling and they took numerous vacations throughout the US. Frank was proud to say that he had attended 5 Worlds Fairs. Frank also had a life long interest in mathematics and investing in the stock market.
Frank is survived by his wife Mary and his four children, Steve (Donna) Matheis (Springfield), Rita Messinger (Springfield), Paul (Linda) Matheis (Indianapolis) and Mark (Linda) Matheis (Quad Cities). He also has ten grandchildren, Teresa (Dave) Saner, Mark (JoAnne) Messinger, Cathy (JJ) Crawford, Brian (Lisa) Messinger, Christine (Patrick) Kolzow, Angela (John) Rykowski, David (fiancé Sarah Leonard) Matheis, Greg Matheis, Andy Matheis and Joe Matheis and eight great-grandchildren.,
Visitation: Visitation and a rosary will be held at 9:30 am, Friday, April 5, 2013 at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, Sixth and Lawrence.
Funeral Mass: 11:00 am, Friday, April 5, 2013 Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception with Reverend Peter Harman officiating. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery.
Donations would be gratefully accepted to Springfield Right to Life.
Jackie Kwasigroh posted on 4/4/13
I am thankful to my mother's Uncle Frank who shared so much with us about his brother, George, who was the Grandfather I never knew. It meant so much to us. Frank was such a kind and gentle person.