Rick Mathys

Resided in Rapid River, MI
Died March 18, 2025

Rick Joseph Mathys
July 10, 1951 – March 18, 2025

 

With heavy hearts, we say goodbye to our Dad, Rick Mathys, who passed away on March 18, 2025. Born July 10, 1951 in Green Bay, WI, he was the oldest child of John “Jack” and Vivian (Boyere) Mathys. He grew up in the city of Green Bay, with his four sisters – Vicky (Larry) Vandenbush, Linda (Dallas) Heinz, Terry Linssen, and Kathy (Dick) Vandevelden – and one brother – Jim (Kris) Mathys – just a few blocks from Lambeau Field. As a graduate from West High School in 1969, he built a life filled with love, adventure, and unwavering commitment to his family and support for the greater community of Green Bay.

 

Our Dad married our Mom, Sue (Lahaie) Mathys, on June 25, 1977, and together they created a beautiful home, physically built by him in Suamico, Wisconsin and collectively grown together through their dedication and encouragement as parents. Mom and Dad, together in their early years of marriage, enjoyed entertaining family and friends at their home and at the cottage that they built together on a small private lake in Northern Wisconsin. Through the years, their busy lives lead them to trips across the Midwest for soccer and basketball tournaments, summer weekends at the lake, and evenings in the entertainment-filled backyard. As years progressed, so did Dad’s medical needs, with Mom dedicating over 15 years as his primary caregiver, forgoing much of her own interests to be fully committed to improving his quality of life. It was truly a labor of love. Much of their time over the last five years was spent building their life in retirement on the shores of Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula, as they say, “God’s Country.” They shared over 47 years of marriage together and have given us – Heather (Mike) Mathers and Holly (Dan) Faust – a strong foundation in which to grow and expand our own families as adults.

 

As a craftsman by trade, Rick established his own paint contracting company, employing many family members and friends and growing the organization to support reputable builders and homeowners in the Green Bay community, leaving behind a legacy of beautifully painted homes and friendships. At any given opportunity, and this was often, a ride through the city streets with Dad would leave his passengers greatly informed of the color, cost, and scope of project for random houses throughout the greater Brown County area.

 

Dad, who found his happiness in nature, was a man of quiet strength and wisdom, the kind of person who could fix anything, teach you how to bait a hook, or guide you through the woods with patience and care. He passed on his deep love for hunting and fishing to his five grandsons – Broderick (16), Trey (13), Channing (10), Everett (8), and Pierson (5) – teaching them the beauty of nature and the importance of slowing down to appreciate it. He wasn’t just a Father and Papa—he was our teacher and our storyteller. He raised his daughters to be independent and family-centered and appreciated his grandsons as the sons he always wanted. Everyone who witnessed his interactions with the boys could see his eyes visibly twinkling with love.

 

To know Dad was to know a deep-seeded kindness, light-hearted humor, and unwavering loyalty. He made friends wherever he went, always ready to lend a hand or share a story. He had a way of making people feel at ease, whether it was with a paintbrush in hand, fishing the open waters, or sitting in a tree waiting for the next big buck. Much of his time and energy went towards supporting others in their similar passions that he possessed – taking others on fishing expeditions, walking a friend’s grandson through the woods, or offering his expertise on a neighbor’s home project.

 

Our hearts are broken, for pancreatic cancer took Dad from us quickly, but we find comfort in knowing he is at peace, likely casting a line in the clearest waters or walking through the most serene woods. His legacy lives on in us, in his daughters, in his son-in-laws, in his grandsons, in his extended family, in his lifetime of friendships, and in every sunrise on the crest of the horizon or sunset darkening the water out his window on the shores of Lake Michigan.

 

In his dying days, know that love and friendship filled our home. While his prognosis was devastating, he was able to live his final weeks to the fullest, receiving visitors from all decades and milestones of his life – sharing stories, laughing, crying, reflecting, and perhaps even smoking an authentic Cuban cigar. What a bittersweet ending to have – to be able to hear, see, and feel the impact you had and reciprocate that love to others.

 

In the midst of sadness, Dad was blessed by beautifully trained and heart-filled caregivers who swooped in and guided us all in the hardest days. We would like to thank Lori, whom he called his angel on earth, for the care, compassion, and comfort she provided to us, Mom, and our loved ones as we navigated his terminal illness. Additionally, our deepest thanks go out to Brittany and Melissa and the immediate support they offered in the final hours.

 

A Celebration of Life will be held on April 13, 2025, with an Open Visitation and Reflection from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm (EST) and the Remembrance Service and luncheon to follow at Terrace Bay Hotel & Event Center in Escanaba, MI. In lieu of flowers, donations are being accepted by the family to support two non-profit organizations: Take Em’ Outdoors of Green Bay and Lakestate Industries of Delta County, as Dad would have wanted.

 

15 Tributes for “Rick Mathys”

    Sue, I am so sorry to hear this. I am sending prayers and hugs to you and your families. We enjoyed being able to spend time at your cottage and enjoyed our visits with you and Rick. He will be missed. Take care.

    Sue and girls, so sad for you all in Rick’s passing. His obituary was a beautiful tribute to all of the special things he did, and the special person he was. Sending love ❤️

    Holly and Family,
    Sending you hugs and prayers during this time. So very sorry for your loss. ❤️

    My first memory of Rick was a question I had regarding plastering.Rick was a new neighbor at the time and was more than willing to help.He came over and offered all that was needed to do the job.He walked me through the process and came back to see the finished product.I am sure if he did the job it would have been flawless.He could have gave a harsh criticism but did not because that was not in his nature.The old saying of give a man a fish and you feed him for a day teach him to fish and you feed him for life came to mind.I am sure Rick taught many people to fish in his lifetime.There were many lessons to be learned from Rick such as his kind and patient demeanor towards everyone especially his grandchildren.He will be greatly missed as a friend and neighbor.

    Rick was a great man to work for and a great person as well . I worked there along time best boss ever . We hunted together fished also . Memories that will always be there .My prayers go out to the family for your loss . Just a great man all around. So sorry to Sue and the daughters

    Rick left an amazing legacy in his own modest and down-to-earth way, making the world a better place for all who knew him. Heartfelt condolences to all of you who are left with a hole in your lives in his absence. Cousin Mark

    Dearest Sue and family. What a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing his wonderful life story. Thinking of you and remembering you in my prayers. Take good care❤️

    Mike & Family,

    So sorry to hear about your Fathers’ passing. As a son, I’m sure he was very proud of you. My condolences to you, Heather and your family.
    My prayers are with you.

    Sue,
    Sending our prayers for serenity at this sad time. Even though we have not seen you in years we have fond memories of our times together playing softball! May your happy memories of Rick bring you comfort.
    Jane Warpinski Ronsman
    Nancy Warpinski Schultz

    25 years ago Rick pulled my truck out of an ice covered landing on Lake Michigan and I was lucky enough to be one of his fishing buddies for life. A very rare person he was, he could tell a story or listen to yours. I always marveled at his fishing abilities, he was a natural. He could easily catch you a fish but he was really excited if he could teach you how to catch a fish. I am so lucky to have known him. My condolences to his family.

    Sue and family, Rick was a fine man and great friend. Dave truly enjoyed the fishing trips and fun conversations.
    We are sure that he is in heaven right now having fun fishing. Thinking of you and keeping all of you in our prayers.

    Sue and family,
    What a shock! Our condolences and prayers to you and family.
    Rick was not only a good customer of mine for many years he was a loyal friend.
    My memories of canoeing, floating the Pike and fishing for trout with him will not be forgotten. What a great guy!

    Patt and Mike Manthey, Mountain, WI

    We had the honor of meeting Rick and Sue during their month-long visit to California this past Christmas season. Though our time together was brief, we felt an immediate connection and were truly looking forward to deepening that friendship.

    We were heartbroken to hear of Rick’s diagnosis and his passing. His warmth, spirit, and deep love for the outdoors left a lasting impression on us. In his memory, we have made a contribution to Take’Em Outdoors, in hopes that it will inspire a young person to discover the same passion for nature that Rick so genuinely shared.

    Please know that our thoughts are with Sue and the entire family during this time of profound loss.

    Sue and family, I am so sorry to hear of your husband, dad and grandpa’s passing. I would see you and him in church, and you and I taught CCD together a few years ago, but I never met him. Reading his obituary, brought me to tears. He sounded so amazing and how blessed you all were to have him in your lives.

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