Frank Alfred Mathiew Sr

Frank Alfred Mathiew Sr. passed away on January 21st, 2022, with his devoted wife Barb by his side, at the age of 70 years, 11 months, and 21 days. Frank was born on January 31st, 1951 to Frank and Laura (Ward) Mathiew. He grew up on a farm in Clear Lake, South Dakota, attending country school during his elementary years, and then public school during his secondary years, participating in the local FFA chapter and as a member of the high school wrestling team. In 1968, after the death of his father, Frank moved to Menahga, MN with his mom and his sister Mary. In 1970, he joined the United States Marine Corps, where he proudly served as an MP and a heavy equipment mechanic, completing three tours in Vietnam, before retiring with an Honorable Discharge in February, 1974. After retiring from the Marine Corps, Frank stayed busy by helping his mom on her farm and doing heavy equipment work. In 1988, Frank married Barbara Hand and they enjoyed their life together, forever trying to out-hunt one another by tagging the biggest buck or bagging the biggest bear. Frank was a kind man. A person was ever only a stranger once where Frank was concerned. He enjoyed visiting with anyone and everyone, lending a listening ear or a helping hand, any chance he got. An invite to “stop out for coffee” was offered to everyone he came in contact with. He could often be found cruising around town in his Dodge, visiting local businesses and “making his rounds”. For the past 25 years, Frank enjoyed teaching area kids the importance of gun safety as a Firearm Safety Instructor. Frank was an avid animal lover, cherishing the companionship of his many household pets over the years. Frank especially loved picking on his grandkids, whom he lovingly referred to as “brats”. Frank was preceded in death by his parents, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Russel and Lorraine Hand, and one grandson, Aaron Tchida. Frank will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 33 years, Barb of Menahga, MN, children Elizabeth (Norris) Brendan of Talmoon, MN, Frank Jr. (Tammy) Mathiew of Menahga, MN, Michelle (John) Tchida of Park Rapids, MN, Timothy Mathiew of Wadena, MN, and Jessica (Dan) Cooper of Evergreen, MN, stepchildren Lisa (Chris) Mickelson of Menahga, MN, Luke (Rachel Tripp) of Sauk Rapids, MN, and Eric (Sara) Makela of Menahga, MN, sister Mary of South Dakota, 18 beloved grandkids, 4 cherished great-grandkids, and a host of people that Frank called friends. Visitation will be from 5-8 PM Friday, January 28, 2022 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN and continue one hour prior to the service at the Church. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday, January 29, 2022 at First English Lutheran Church in Menahga, MN. Interment will be at Menahga City Cemetery.