RICHARD “Dick” MATTHYS

Richard “Dick” Joseph Peter Matthys, age 81, of Elburn, formerly of St. Charles, IL, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of his family, Sunday, September 10, 2023, and now rests with his Lord and Savior.

He was born September 19, 1941, in Geneva, IL, to loving parents, Peter and Martha Matthys.

Dick grew up in St. Charles on Dean St. and attended local schools. He graduated from George E. Thompson High School with the class of 1959. Dick continued his education at Nebraska Wesleyan and Aurora University. During high school, he became an avid member of the high school hunting club and loved to get into the wind on his motorcycle. Dick first set eyes on his future wife in the first grade, but it wasn’t until later that he and Donna Nelsen were an official couple.

After walking down the aisle, Dick and Donna made their home in St. Charles where they began raising a family. Later they built a home on Pierce street in Elburn and later moved just out of town on StillMeadows Lane where they continued to make memories and watch their children grow.

After high school, Dick walked into Illinois Bell for a job. Fast forward a few decades and retirement loomed large. After leaving “Ma Bell”, he found work at the accounting offices of Arthur Andersen. Several years later, he left the world of telecommunication behind so he could concentrate on travel with Donna in there camper exploring National Parks. Fishing was always first on the list but his love of shooting brought him to be a valued member of the St. Charles Sportsmen’s Club. Dick spent countless hours in support, both financially and through the donation of blood, sweat and tears to its development and longevity. He was an active member from its start in St Charles and continued to be a pillar of the organization for many years after. Dick spent decades on the board of directors, helming the position of treasurer, head of running the trap personnel before establishing the skeet and hunting program both on and off of the property. In short, Dick was respected and revered by all those members who came after him, and his dedication and hard work laying the foundation will be enjoyed for generations. Dick spent many days enjoying fishing and shooting with his longtime friends Ron Troast, Ron Duy, and Tom Berry at the club. It became a family affair as both his sons followed in his  footsteps and are respected members themselves. Dick help teach his son Eric how to build houses and helped build all three of his families homes. All season and avid sportsman, Dick hunted throughout the U.S. and Canada, many times alongside his brother Jim and his best friend Jack Mulligan. His boat always found a way to the Mississippi River, and more times than not, the destination was Savannah, IL to a humble hunter’s shack. He spent so many weekends there, Donna once thought he may have had another family. Once she made her own visit, it all made sense and she became enamored with sights, sounds and peaceful times, eventually making the shack a home away from home and still visits to today. When his grandchildren entered his life, Dick instantly knew he would give anything and everything to make them safe, happy, loved and cherished. Along with sharing a birthday with one of his grandchildren, Dick immersed himself in new and different activities and relished sharing in their newfound passions. He also taught them many ways to shoot guns, arrows, golf and fish. 

His leaves a loving wife, Donna Matthys; two sons: Richard Matthys and Eric (Heather) Matthys; five  grandchildren: Jared, Nolan and Megan Matthys and  Madison and Payton Pitts; one great-granddaughter, Finley Cahill-Matthys; several nieces and nephews, including: Judy Matthys-Fuller and Curt Matthys, and Laura Mahon, Sandra Matthys, and Angie Ferguson as well as a countryside full of friends.

He is reunited with his parents, Peter and Martha Matthys; two siblings, James (Carol) Matthys, and Francis (Darlene) Matthys; and one nephew Jimmy Matthys who preceded him in death.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Updated information will be posted as it is confirmed.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can find Dick’s full life story.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date. Updated information will be posted as it is confirmed. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the charity of your choice. Memories and tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com where you can find Dick’s full life story.