Ronald L. Mathews, a beloved figure in the rural community of Leland, IA, bid farewell to this world at the age of 88 on Thursday, February 20, 2025, surrounded by his loved ones at the Lake Mills Care Center. His passing marks the end of an era for those who knew him, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a life well-lived.
Born on September 2, 1936, in Mt. Valley Township, Winnebago Co., IA, Ronald Lee Mathews was the cherished son of Martel and Agnes (Charlson) Mathews. Growing up on the same acreage from just 6 months old until his final days, Ron’s roots ran deep in the land he called home. He completed his education at Lake Mills High School in 1954, setting the stage for a life filled with adventure, hard work, and unwavering dedication to his family.
A memorial service to celebrate Ron’s life will be held at the Winnebago Lutheran Church in rural Lake Mills, IA, on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with Pastor Bill Peters leading the congregation in honoring his memory. The visitation will commence at 9:30 AM, offering friends and family the opportunity to pay their respects before the service begins.
For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed on the church’s YouTube page, ensuring that all who wish to participate in honoring Ron’s memory can do so from the comfort of their own homes. The link for the livestream can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@oneinchristlutheranparish1767.
Ron’s life was one of love, laughter, and dedication to his family. On June 1, 1954, he exchanged vows with his beloved Carole (Larson) at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Scarville, IA, embarking on a journey that spanned 70 beautiful years. Together, they were blessed with four children: Jon, Mike, Julie, and Nancy. The couple shared a passion for family gatherings, camping trips, and winter retreats to Texas, creating a lifetime of cherished memories that will endure long after Ron’s passing.
A man of many talents, Ron’s career spanned various roles, from driving a school bus for Lake Mills School District to working as a Production Manager at Winnebago Industries, where he played a pivotal role in building the company’s first motorhome. Even after his retirement in 1980, Ron continued to stay active, taking on a part-time position at the Leland Feed Mill while managing his lifelong passion for farming.
Beyond his professional endeavors, Ron found joy in the simple pleasures of life. Whether it was fishing in the local lakes, hunting in the woods, or teeing off on the golf course, Ron’s adventurous spirit and love for the outdoors were palpable. He was a master of card games, always up for a spirited round of cribbage with his family, and never shied away from the opportunity to strike a pose for a family photo.
In his passing, Ron leaves behind a legacy of love and laughter, survived by his devoted wife, Carole Mathews; his children, Jon, Mike, Julie, and Nancy; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; as well as numerous loving relatives and friends. The impact of his presence will be felt for generations to come, a testament to the indelible mark he left on all who knew him.
As the community mourns the loss of a beloved patriarch, the family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at the Lake Mills Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their compassionate care and unwavering support during Ron’s final days. Their dedication and kindness provided solace and comfort when it was needed most, ensuring that Ron’s transition was filled with love and dignity.
Ronald Lee Mathews may have bid farewell to this world, but his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. In the words of an unknown author, “The memories we make with our family is everything.” And Ron’s memory, filled with love, laughter, and a life well-lived, will forever be a beacon of light for those who follow in his footsteps.
