Mike Mather
February 25, 1944 - August 29, 2016
From: Nevada, IA
James “Mike” Mather, age 72, of Nevada, died Monday, August 29, 2016, at Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines.
Memorial visitation will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, September 11, 2016, at Ryan Funeral Home in Nevada. Inurnment will be in the New Ulm (Minnesota) Cemetery at a later date.
Born February 25, 1944, in New Ulm, Minnesota, James Michael Mather was the son of Gordon and Carol (Veeck) Mather. He grew up and received his education in New Ulm, graduating from New Ulm High School with the Class of 1962. Mike graduated from Des Moines Area Community College and briefly attended Iowa State University.
On September 10, 1966, he was united in marriage to Carol Hansen in New Ulm, Minnesota. In January of 1967, the couple made their home in Nevada where Mike was employed as a salesman at Minnesota Valley Testing Lab.
He enjoyed toying with his ham radio, was active on Facebook and social media, and loved his pets, especially his dog, Sam, and cat, Pewter. He was a “foodie” who enjoyed BBQ and smoking meats. In 1992, Mike traveled to the Hawaiian Islands with the Red Cross to assist with cleanup after Hurricane Iniki devastated the islands. He was a member of the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Ames.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Carol; one son and his wife, Calvin and Dena Mather of Peoria, IL; three grandchildren, Daria, Annika, and Spencer; a brother, Timothy Mather of Apache Junction, AZ; as well as several cousins and other extended family members.
Mike was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robin Mather, in infancy.
Ryan Funeral Home of Nevada has been entrusted with the care of Mike and his family.
Condolences
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 at 2:33 PM
“As a classmate in high school, I remember Mike as a very nice guy. Always friendly and sincerely caring of others. Was hoping to chat with him at our reunion coming up. Heard he wanted to attend. My condolences Carol, and to the family. And on behalf of our entire class, may he rest in eternal peace. ”
- Steve Bushard - Classmate 1962
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 at 10:22 AM
“Mike and I were classmates throughout junior high and high school. I remember him as an unusually clever kid with a unique sense of humor who was also always sweet and kind. A very good guy. I last saw him in 1962, when we graduated from high school, and therefore I was looking forward to seeing him at our 55th class reunion in in 2017, which I learned recently he was hoping to attend. It would have been great to see him again, but I will always have those memories of that nice kid from the '50s and '60s. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family.”
- Gail Peterson
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:14 PM
“So sorry for your loss. We are keeping all of you in our prayers.”
- Scott and Sara Anderson
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:14 PM
“I am so sorry to hear of Mike's passing. I have enjoyed his comments and wit. My Dad always enjoyed talking about ham radio with him. Skull sessions Dad called them. I'll miss him.
NUHS Class of 65
”
- Allen Thomas
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:14 PM
“Tim,
Sorry for your loss. I will miss him
Allen”
- Allen Thomas NUHS Class of 65
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:14 PM
“So sorry to hear about your loss, Dena. Keeping you & your family in my thoughts & prayers.”
- Cherie Montgomery
Saturday, September 3, 2016 at 12:14 PM
“Cal and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you. May loving memories comfort you.”
- Pete Jovanovich
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 11:41 AM
“so sorry Carol”
- Timothy Mather
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 11:41 AM
“I am so sorry to hear this. Mike sent an email saying he'd be at our reunion next year. Please know we will keep him in our thoughts.”
- Karen Rolloff. Class of 1962
Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at 11:41 AM
“To Mike's extended family: Please accept Jan and my deepest sympathy and condolences regarding Mike's passing. We have some fond memories of Mike, Carol and Calvin while we lived in Newton, Iowa. Mike will be missed by us, friends and his family. Rest in peace Cousin Mike. Bob and Jan Mather”
- Bob and Jan Mather
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