David Michael Matthees, 71, of Mazeppa, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his home. He was born in Zumbrota on May 3, 1952, to Donald and Frieda (Schultz) Matthees. He grew up in rural Goodhue before his family moved to a farm in rural Mazeppa. He graduated from Zumbrota High School in 1970. After high school he worked for Ready-Mix, Hinrichs Plumbing, and for Don Ramstad and Allan Schumacher running heavy equipment. Dave grew up farming and it became his full-time job in 1981 with his father and brother Keith. Dave was united in marriage to Diane Lauer on June 5, 1982, at the Church of Nazarene in Backus, MN. They made their home in rural Mazeppa, farming and raising their three sons, Jeffrey, Matthew, and Chad. Dave was a past member of the Covered Bridge Riders Snowmobile Club, the Saddle Club, and was a Zumbrota Township Board member for many years. He was a past member of Christ Lutheran Church and a current member of Lands Lutheran Church. Dave enjoyed snowmobiling and watching his sons’ high school wrestling and football games. He liked getting together with his classmates and friends to play cards and socialize at the Zumbrota VFW, the Mazeppa Liquor Store, and Leo’s. He was also a founding member of The Lodge and enjoyed playing cards there and visiting with his friends. Dave loved to drive around the countryside and check his crops. Most of all, he loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandkids, and playing cribbage with them.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Matthees of Mazeppa; three sons, Jeffrey (Michelle) Matthees of Goodhue, Matthew (Desiree) Matthees of Mazeppa, and Chad (Blaire) Matthees of Albert Lea; four grandchildren, Levi, Jacob, Lydia, and Clay; siblings, Gary (Kathy) Matthees of Plover, WI, Dale Matthees (Jeri Petree) of Goodhue, Keith (Diane) Matthees of Mazeppa, and Marla (Steve) Lodermeier of Zumbrota; and nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and an infant brother.
Memorial service was at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Lands Lutheran Church. Reverend David Krinke officiated. Visitation was from 4 until 8 p.m. on Monday, April 8, 2024, at the Mahn Family Funeral Home, Larson Chapel in Zumbrota and for one hour prior to the service at the church on Tuesday. Burial took place in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be given to an organization of the donor’s choice.
