Lee Edward Mathias, 68, of Huntley, died peacefully at JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington on April 13, 2020.
Lee was born in Tiffin, Ohio on June 5, 1951 to parents Cleal and Grace Marie (nee Buckley) Mathias.
A country boy at heart, Lee loved spending time in the great outdoors. He loved sharing his love for his hometown with his children, and they spent many summers outside fishing, hunting and exploring. A proud Vietnam veteran, Lee served in the Navy as a Corpsman before becoming a firefighter in Addison Illinois. He was a proud member of the Illinois Professional Firefighters Association and was a Life Member and Past Commander of the Addison VFW Post 7446. Lee was a fantastic chef and could often be found cooking at both the fire station and the VFW, where his potato pancakes and biscuits and gravy, among other dishes, earned him the title of “Head Chef.”
Lee was loved by all who knew him, and never met a stranger.
Lee is survived by his beloved wife of 25 years, Susan Mathias, his two children, Jason (Victoria Raio) Mathias and Heather (Joseph) Cummings, his granddaughter Mila Grace, His siblings, Yvonne (Ray) Blatt, Audrey (Byron) Winner, Karen Mathias, Duane (Sandy) Mathias, his nieces and nephews, Joseph, Jennifer, Kevin, David, Daniel, Kristy, Jenny, Hannah, Nathan, and Brad.
Lee is predeceased by his brother Dean Mathias, and his nephew Kevin Winner.
A private family funeral will be on Tuesday, April 21, 2020, and a celebration of life will be planned for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Lee’s name can be made to JourneyCare Hospice in Barrington https://journeycare.org/ways-to-donate/
For further information please call the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Our deepest sympathy . Prayers of comfort . I will always remember Lee’s BBQ ribs at the VFW’s fund raisers! They were the best !!!
I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
My sincere condolances to all of Lee's family. I recall Lee's playful interaction with our grandson at one of the Mathias reunions in WV, and appreciated his kindness...a good memory of Lee. Even though grief and sadness overwhelm us with the loss of our loved ones, we can be consoled in the fact that they are at peace, made whole again, their pain and suffering are over. Prayers and blessings to all.
I have many memory's of times spent with Lee at the fire house. But what I remember the most about Lee was his humor and fun loving spirit, also his Potato Pancakes, The Best! We will miss you Leroy!
Susan, we've never met, but I went to school with Lee, here in Tiffin. He was one of the nicest guys in school, and liked by everyone! He will be missed! My condolences to you and your family????
I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers for your family.
Lee was a wonderful person, a true servant and hero! May he rest now in peace!
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
My sincere condolences to all the family. We grew up in the same neighborhood. Love , hugs and prayers to you all ????????????????????????❤️❤️
Lee will always hold a special place in my heart. the hurt is strong and my love was deep. Roy Lynn, Dean, Butch and now Lee. God has his hands full. My love and condolences to Sue and family and his brother and sisters. Sis
So sorry for you loss. May he rest in peace.
To the Mathias family I would like to send all my love condolences for the loss of Lee and may God be what's all of you at this time Kathy Smith from Toledo Ohio
My Thoughts and Prayers go out to the whole Mathias Family. I grew up in Tiffin with the whole Mathias clan and always enjoyed Lee's fun, caring attitude and humor. May the love of Jesus comfort you all during this most difficult time. God Bless you All.
Lee was a childhood friend of mine from school! Lee was a super nice guy! We always enjoyed running into each other when we would! He always had that wonderful smile on his face! If he was mad I never saw it expressed on his face, funny how when we get older and people of our youth start passing makes you wish for the past times once more just to tell them how you truly enjoyed their company and their friendship! Reconnect with people of your youth just to touch base and tell them you love them! God Bless his family and all he held dear! I know that they’ve got a huge hole in their heart that he filled when he was still with us in person, now we need to be blessed with a little of his kind soul in our hearts! See you on the other side I hope! Dan
Dave and I are so sorry for your loss. Lee was my first cousin. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers.
Lee and I were friends from Noble Elementary through Columbian H S. In Tiffin, Ohio. My parents were also homekids like Lee's Mom. Sorry for your loss. RIP
I remember how much fun the Tomb St. and Douglas St. kids had. I will always remember his kindness, laugh and help. RIP my friend. Until we meet again.