Dennis Matthews

Dennis Jules Matthews, 83, of Hager City, Wisconsin, died Wednesday, January 1, 2025 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, St. Marys Campus in Rochester. He was born February 5, 1941, in Red Wing, Minnesota, to Orva and Gladys (Bystrom) Mathews and was a graduate of Red Wing Central High School, Class of 1959. He began working for the Red Wing Shoe Company, where he worked for over 40 years until his retirement. On November 20, 1965, he married Judith Hennen at First Lutheran Church in Red Wing. The couple later moved to Hager City where they raised their two children. In 1995, Dennis and Judi built a house on Dennis’ family farm. Dennis served in the MN National Guard Army and was a member of English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth. His passions included fireworks, a love that he shared with his friend Charlie and would often help him with things at Charlie’s business, Island Fireworks. Dennis especially enjoyed the festive Fourth of July celebrations he helped put on, at Train Bell Resort on North Long Lake, a destination cherished by his family for 85 years. Dennis enjoyed nature through fishing, hunting, and snowmobiling, often retreating to his beloved hunting shack, "Or-V-Ville," where he made lasting memories with family and friends. His family will remember his smart aleck ways about him, always cracking a joke as well as his interest in gambling here and there, especially his favorite form of gambling—scratch-offs. Dennis loved his family dearly and had a keen way of keeping track of his grandchildren, always in the know of what each of them were up to, checking in with them and getting updates. 

He is survived by his daughter, Jamie (Victor) Peterson of Hager City; grandchildren, Tyler (Morgan) Matthews, Courtney Matthews (Joe Petrucelle) Matthew Peterson (Katie) and Kaitlyn Peterson (Bailey); great-granddaughter, Lainey; daughter-in-law, Tris Matthews and several grand-pups.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one son, Jeffrey Matthews and his wife Judi in 2018,

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Thursday, January 9, 2025, at English Lutheran Church in Ellsworth with Pastor Pete Warren officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, January 8, 2025, at Mahn Family Funeral Home, Ellsworth Chapel and for one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery, Red Wing. Arrangements handled by Mahn Family Funeral Home, Ellsworth Chapel.