Lester W. Mathew, 83, of Morrison, IL, died Friday, May 3, 2019, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.
Lester was born November 11, 1935, in Morrison, to J. Wallace and Jean (Vandenburg) Mathew. He attended the Round Grove Grade School and was a graduate of Morrison High School. Lester attended Iowa State University and received an Associate’s Degree in Agriculture. On April 8, 1956, he married Joyce Sulouff in Sterling, IL. Lester served in the Army Reserves for six years. He farmed the family farm until 1980 and then worked for various farm machinery dealerships, including Peabudy’s Inc. in Sterling as a Parts Manager, until retiring in 2005. He was a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, Pork Producers, and Soil and Water Conservation District. He was very active in the community, including serving on the Board of Directors for Resthave Home and a local credit union in Morrison. He also volunteered at the Food Pantry.
Survivors include his wife of 63 years, Joyce; three daughters, Leanne Miller of Sterling, Marsha (Harry) Koth of Sugar Grove, IL, and Jill (Kevin) Wohrley of Mendota, IL; seven grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one sister, Lorraine (Don) Hand of Prophetstown, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents and one grandson, Danny Miller.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m., Monday, May 13, 2019, at First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, IL, with Rev. Dr. Michael Selburg officiating.
Visitation will be Monday, May 13, 2019, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service.
A private family interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Sterling, IL.
A memorial has been established to First Presbyterian Church in Morrison, IL.
To send online condolences go to www.bosmarenkes.com.