Leroy F. Mathews

LeRoy Francis Mathews was born September 25, 1929, the son of Leland and Lucille Mathews. He died at St. Lukes Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa, Friday, November 20, 2015 at the age of eighty-six.
LeRoy was born in Mt. Clemons, Michigan. He received his education at Sacred Heart Catholic School in Waterloo, Iowa where he graduated with the class of 1946. After completing his education, he began working in the office for the Rath Packing Company. July 17, 1948, LeRoy was united in marriage to Grace Gipper at St. John’s Catholic Church in Waterloo. The couple moved to Charter Oak, Iowa in 1949 where he began his farming career with his grandfather. The couple was blessed with the birth of five children. In 1957 they moved to the Kraemer farm, retiring from farming in 1989 but continued to live on the home farm until moving to Charter Oak in 2005. Both LeRoy and Grace were trained to operate dialysis machines and provided home dialysis care from 1989 to 1995.
In his leisure time, LeRoy enjoyed Reading, socializing with family and friends at a game of cards and enjoyed Euchre with Floyd Kesterson, at his home or at the Easy Stop Convenience Store. He occupied much of his time at wood working and made shelves, bookcases, stools and benches. He enjoyed watching NASCAR races and was able to attend several events. After his sight began to decline, he enjoyed talking books. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was on the Board of Directors of AMPI Co-op and attended many meetings.
LeRoy was preceded in death by his parents, and two children, Debbie and Larry. Survivors include his wife, Grace; one son, Steve and his wife, Linda; two daughters, Kathy and her special friend Scott; Barbara; seven grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; many other relatives and friends.