Rev. Richard Matthies

Rev. Richard J. Matthies, age 86, of Sheboygan was called to his eternal home on
Wednesday evening November 18, 2020. He was the son of the late Rudolph and
Ella (Sievert) Matthies, born January 30, 1934 in Merrill, WI. He attended schools
in Merrill and was a graduate of Merrill High School in 1952. Following high
school he proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy. R.J. was united in marriage
to Alice Jane Gunnell on August 31, 1957 in Merrill, WI; she preceded him in
death on September 20, 2010. He graduated from Concordia Seminary in
Springfield, IL with a Masters of Divinity degree. He ministered for over 55 years
faithfully serving at Mountainside Lutheran Church in Auckland, New Zealand
from 1963-1966, Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Shelbyville, IL from 1966-1977,
St. Luke’s Lutheran Church in New Richmond, WI from 1977-1983, and as the
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod’s institutional chaplain for Sheboygan County,
WI from 1983-1996. In retirement, he and Alice relocated to Denver, CO for
several years prior to residing in Tucson, AZ where they were active members of
Messiah Lutheran Church. He married Kris Hoppe on December 17, 2013 in
Tucson, AZ. During his 20 years of retirement he remained committed to
ministering, acting as vacancy pastor of several congregations and as guest
minister in various states. He was affectionately referred to as Pastor R.J. and he
unequivocally touched many lives with his abiding faith and his heartfelt kindness.
He is remembered not only for his resounding voice which was powerful in
preaching as well as prayer but also for his welcoming smile and infectious laugh.
R.J. is survived by his wife Kris Hoppe-Matthies, four sons and a daughter: Mark
Matthies of Denver, CO, Luther Matthies and Luke (Monica) Matthies both of
Edmond, OK, Joel Matthies of Río Grande, P.R. and Laurie (Victor) Voss of
Dorado, P.R., grandchildren Tyler Matthies, Baylee Matthies, Hannah Matthies,
Adam Matthies, Alexa Matthies, Jameson Matthies, Alexander Voss and Callan
Voss, a great granddaughter Arianna and a sister Lois Ristau of Merrill.
R.J. was preceded in death by his parents, wife Alice, sisters June, Janet, and Fern,
and brothers Robert and Cuban.
There will be a visitation held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 730 County Highway
PPP, Sheboygan Falls, on Saturday January 30, 2021 from 9:30 until the time of
service at 11:30. Pastor Kyle Backhaus will officiate.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.reinboldfh.com