Russell B. Matthys
August 2, 1950 ~ January 25, 2016
Russell B. Matthys, age 65, of Madison, passed away Monday, January 25, 2016 at Rae-Ann in Geneva. He was born August 2, 1950 in Rice Lake, WI to Hayden and Viola (Loy) Matthys. Russell married Cheryl Houghtaling in Midland, MI on July 21, 1984.
Russell was a West High School graduate in Waterloo, IA. He was a Quality Control Supervisor, and in later years a Maintenance Service Superintendent at the First Energy Perry Plant. Russell served in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the Madison American Legion Jay Wilson Post 112, assisting with the funeral honor guard. He was a member of the Port Clinton Elks, Lodge # 1718, the Men's Auxiliary to the VFW Post #8548 and the Masonic Lake Shore Lodge No. 307. Russ's passions were fishing and hunting and most of all he loved his family and friends. He was a very giving man and will be greatly missed.
He is survived by his wife of 31 years, Cheryl; children, Josh Houghtaling, Kari (Pete) Betchik; grandchildren, Lea, Ila, Eli; brothers, Ted Matthys, Joe (Ingrid) Heinen; sisters, Joyce Freshwater, Betty Rae (Gary) Laird; nieces and nephews, and many loved extended family.
A Celebration of His Life will be held at the American Legion Jay Wilson Post 112 on Saturday, February 6, 2016 starting at 2:00 p.m. Final Resting Place will be Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Spooner, WI.
Arrangements are being handled by The Behm Family Funeral Home, 26 River Street, Madison, Ohio 44057. Friends may leave condolences online at www.behmfuneral.com
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Kari, Cheri, Josh, and family. …I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Russ! My deepest sympathy goes out to you all in this hard time. My thoughts and prayers are with you all! !
Uncle Russ you funny guy..we will always remember that “chicken dance”…you will be missed. RIP. Love Terry,Cathy(sister-in-law) and Alycia
We will miss your laugh, your.jokes and your presence in all of our lives. We love you, Ed, Janet and Nick Sency
So very sorry to hear about the passing of Russ. What a nice man he was. David enjoyed having him as a supervisor. Prayers of peace and healing to his loved ones.
To Russ's family, I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I remember his kindness, he was,always ready with a hug and a smile. Each time I think of him I will remember the get togethers at holidays,the weekend cookouts, good music and lots of laughs. Rest in peace dear friend.
Please accept our prayers and sympathy.
We have lost a wonderful, generous man. We were so blessed to have Russ in our lives and he became a part of our family. We loved spending time with him. Russ brightened any room as soon as he walked in. Sympathy to all of his family, whom he spoke of often and with pride. Love from us all.
Ah Dear Friend, Each and everyone of us in the Campbell family will miss you so very much. We all had good times when you came for visit's. Will never forget when Bill, you and myself went sky diving. We all said “we wont do that again” oh but what a thrill it was. We will all miss you. Rest in peace. Love from all of us.
I will miss you Russ. You, Mike and I had lots of fun together back in the day. Friday night Blatz and Romans hot wings, indoor putt putt in your house and more good times and laughter than I can count. Rest in peace my friend.
Sherry – so sad, he was, to use a well-worn phrase, one in a kazillion. Our friendship was not nearly long enough. Who's gonna cook eggs, help with the bacon, sausage, and potatoes? Who's gonna work on a kazillion committees and just be one of the warmest, fun loving, and caring human beings I've had the privilege of knowing. May the Good Lord be with you in this hour of need.
so sorry to hear of Russ's passing he will be greatly missed by his friends of the Port Clinton Elks Lodge #1718 prayers & sympathy to you & the family
Linda and i would like to extend our deepest sympathy and prayers to the family and rest in peace my friend
Our family will also remember the “chicken dance” at our wedding, ear-ache and all, We certainly had some great times!!!! We will miss his hearty laugh and quick wit. Kailyn misses her Euchre teaching partner. Russ was a giving person, always ready to make you feel at home. He cared for his family and raised Kari and Josh as his own. Always ready to lend a helping hand in what ever project you may have had. He will be truly missed. Kate, Mike and Kailyn
The Sandows friends the Diakun's of Pennsylvania give to Sherry and family our deepest sympathy. Two years ago we vacationed with Mike and Kate and met up at Port Clinton Oho with Russ and Sherry. Great time and going back further in the years(1993) the Browns/Steelers game in Cleveland. We will miss him very much as you could not find a more kind, gracious host and chef. Rest in peace dear friend, for we are fortunate to have known you. Mike Diakun Sr.,Joan E Diakun,Michael John Jr., and Kyle
So shocked when I talked to Kim. Far, Far too many years passed since we saw each other, but we did talk a year ago. I tried to talk you into coming to Colorado this summer for a visit and you said you would like that. Growing up together in Waterloo, as family, we were very close, cousin. Time passes so quickly and life takes so many turns. You have always been in my heart. Loved your laugh and your quick wit. Miss you still.
I served with Russ in the Navy. We were very good friends….he was a special man and although the years and distance has been between us, I am deeply saddened about his passing. He is spoken of and remembered with reverence by me and my brother Eddie. My deepest sympathy for the family loss….
I will miss Russ stop ins just to say hi and check in. He will forever be one of my favorite guests. I will miss him. God gained an angel when he got Russ. Condolences to Sherry and the family.