WILLIS MARVIN MATTHES

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WILLIS MARVIN MATTHES October 23, 1927 - August 12, 2013 With heavy hearts but also with warm and cherished memories, we announce the passing of Willis Marvin Matthes on August 12, 2013. Willis will be missed by his loving wife Hertha; sons Bruce, Chris, Randy (Maila Gabriel); daughter Sandra (Tom King). Granddaughters Victoria and Leah meant the world to Papa; he took joy in watching them grow, play and explore the ways of the world. He was predeceased by his parents Annette and William Matthes; brothers Joe (Ruth), Emil (Reta) and infant Bobby; brother-in-law Edward Petrovich. He is survived by his sister Madeline; brother Irvin (Alma) of Penticton, BC; numerous nieces and nephews who fondly remember their uncle Will. Born in Winnipeg, Willis was raised in the Elmwood neighbourhood. A lifelong member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, he had a firm foundation of Christian faith that sustained him and guided him in raising his family with Hertha. Together, they would have celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary on August 18. For nearly four decades, Willis's family business, Talbot Motors at the corner of Talbot and Grey, was a hub of activity in Elmwood. Following early retirement in 1987, Willis had the time to groom a beautiful yard and garden, build wooden furniture and toys in his home shop, and escape the Winnipeg winters with Hertha on road trips to the southern United States. Willis was a man of varied interests just as happy listening to a Blue Jays game as Saturday Afternoon at The Opera or Johnny Cash. Willis's wry sense of humour always set the tone for lively conversation. His repertoire of "go-to" jokes such as the dog that ran out of gas' and the frog with no legs' made an appearance on many family occasions. Declining health in later years did not dim Willis's strong faith. Our family deeply thanks the nurses, doctors and staff at Concordia Hospital, St. Boniface Hospital and Home Care. Their compassion, knowledge and care made a great difference in Willis's quality of life and his family's peace of mind. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Holy Cross Lutheran Church Building Fund or a charity of your choice. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, August 16, 2013 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 708 McCalman Ave at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Pastor Richard Kruesel. Glen Eden Funeral Home 338-7111

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 15, 2013