Obituaries

Sheldon Matthees

Photo of Sheldon Matthees
Sheldon "Shelly" Bernard Matthees, 76, of Bella Vista, Arkansas passed away peacefully while hunting in the woods near Leech Lake, Minnesota on November 8, 2012. Shelly was born August 25, 1936 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the son of Bernard and Marie (Pogalz) Matthees. He was raised in Owatonna, Minnesota and in St. Paul, where he graduated from Concordia High School in 1954. He began studies in the Lutheran ministry at Concordia College. After leaving Concordia he worked as a Lineman for Northwestern Bell, and he remained with "Ma Bell" for 30 years, eventually working as an Engineer and a Chemical Dependency Counselor. After retiring from Northwestern Bell, he continued working in the chemical dependency field for the next 12 years. In 1997 he moved to Bella Vista, Arkansas, where he continued to care for people through his work in Alcoholics Anonymous. Shelly was a friend of Bill W. and had just celebrated 39 years of sobriety on November 5th. He was always willing to share a cup of coffee and to listen. He was a positive, healing force in many lives. He was married to his loving wife Emily, who shared his deep love of the North Country, for 35 years. This year was Shelly's 64th year of hunting in the woods near Leech Lake. He passed away peacefully doing what he loved most. Shelly is survived by his wife of 35 years, Emily Matthees; his children, Michelle Matthees (Julie Gard), Shana Wenger, Kathi (David) Koester, and Douglas (Angela) Matthees; close family friend, Marshall Pearson; 10 grandchildren; his siblings Carol (Earl) Schroeder, Douglas (Carole) Matthees, and Katherine (John) Longman; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his loyal dog, Jack. He was preceded in death by his parents. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2012 at 11 a.m. at Bella Vista Community Church in Bella Vista, Arkansas. Memorials may be sent to: Bella Vista Community Church, 75 East Lancashire Blvd., Bella Vista, Ark. 72714. Arrangements by Epting Funeral Home of Bella Vista, Arkansas. Condolences to the family: www.eptingfuneralhome.webs.com.

Published November 13, 2012

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