Donald R. Matthews

Donald R. Matthews, age 93, of Juneau, passed away on Friday, March 27, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on February 28, 1922, the 14th child of Otto and Ina Bell (Waddell) Matthews in Beaver Dam. Don was united in marriage with Elda Borchert on May 9, 1944 at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Oak Grove, Wisconsin. The marriage was blessed with four daughters. Don served in the U.S. Army during WW II. He served in the Southern Philippines, receiving an American Theater Service Ribbon, Asiatic-Pacific Theater Service Ribbon, Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star Medal, and the Bronze Service Arrowhead. Don was a long-time member of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau, where he served on the Counting Committee. Don was a member of the Juneau American Legion Post # 15 and also volunteered for Bethesda Donation Center. He spent his career working for Yellow Truck Line and Allard Express earning Consecutive Years of Safe Work and Driving Performance awards. His love of working with cars and hunting kept him busy with family and friends. Don is survived by his daughters, Melody (Gerald) Brigowatz of Loves Park, IL, Valerie (Kenneth) Loehrke of Waupun, Joyce (Dennis) Schmidt of Juneau, and Jennifer (Vincent) Tomlinson of Bonita Springs, FL. Don’s family was blessed with eight grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brother-in-law, Sam Kupec; his sister-in-law, Marcia Borchert; as well as other relatives and friends. Don was preceded in death by his wife Elda, his parents, brothers, sisters, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 11, 2015 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Juneau with the Rev. Paul Schupmann officiating. A visitation will also be held on April 11th from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the chuch. Inurnment will take place at Juneau City Cemetery with military honors conducted by the Juneau American Legion Post #15. A luncheon in the Church Fellowship Hall will immediately follow the graveside service. Memorials may be made to St. John’s Lutheran Church or the Alzheimer Association. To God be all honor and glory for His grace to Don.