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John Ross Mathews III passed away on Oct. 18, 2018, at Risen Son Christian Village at the age of 90. He was born Sept. 30, 1928, at Swenson Memorial Hospital in Canby, Minn., to John Ross Mathews II and Clara (Nemitz) Mathews.

John grew up as an only child in the Canby area and began his career as a farmer. As a young boy, as he stated, he “drove a tractor when he was way too young.” He stated the best toy he ever received as a boy was a bicycle at age 12, and he also had a pony, which he enjoyed very much. For pets, he once had a pet fox and also later had a favorite dog named Bonnie. He finished the eighth grade, but then due to his mother developing cancer and his father’s poor health, he took over the family farm which necessitated he drop out from school. He accepted Jesus as his Savior and was baptized Nov. 17, 1946.

At age 24, he was drafted into the Army, making the longest trip of his life, to serve in South Korea. Due to his flat feet, he was placed in the capacity of Army cook, serving meals for thousands each day. He used to demonstrate how he could crack four eggs at a time — and if a few shells fell in, oh well!

Upon his return from South Korea, John married the love of his life, Lois Beattie, on Dec. 26, 1955, at the Antelope Hills Church of Christ parsonage. John farmed and drove a school bus part time. Lois was an elementary school teacher. They were blessed with twin daughters, Debra and Dawn, born 6 weeks prematurely on March 19, 1960. Around 1964, they were able to purchase their farm place near Burr, which became the long-time family home. In 1970, they were blessed with a son, Jason Ross Mathews. John and Lois put the Lord first in their lives, and their dedication to their church was their first priority. John continued to work hard on the farm for many years, both with crops and raising cattle, until retirement. They enjoyed going south to Casa Grande, Ariz., for winters for about 10 years or so.

Between 1987 and 1998, John and Lois were blessed with six grandchildren. John enjoyed making machinery and entertainment for his grandkids around the farm. The grandkids’ favorite activities including riding the three-wheeler, getting pulled in the snow behind the tractor, and riding around in his home-made hayrack “buggy” and riding the go-cart that John built by hand. John loved working in the shop and working with his hands, even after he moved away from the home place. In the early 2000s, John and Lois purchased a house in Canby and enjoyed that residence for a few years. He often said this was the thing he missed most about life on the farm. In spring 2008, they made the decision to sell off the farm equipment and the house in town and make the big move to Council Bluffs to be closer to their children. This was a very difficult transition as they left the town they’d always known and their beloved church family and neighbors. Throughout the last 10 years they made 4 moves within the Risen Son Christian Village as their care needs increased. John was always concerned to be the provider and always wanted to plan for the future, and he was very concerned about his wife and his family.

John is survived by his wife, Lois, who resides at Risen Son; his daughters, Debra (Dave) Ludwick of Blair, and Dawn (Matt) Burkett of Papillion; son, Jason (Connie) Mathews of Grand Island; grandsons, Caleb (Prashansa) and Jon Ludwick, Joshua (Sydney) Mathews, Mark Burkett; and granddaughters, Erin (Mike) Schroeder and Cailey Mathews.

A memorial service was held Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home. Memorials may be directed to the Antelope Hills Christian Church Building Fund of Canby, Minn.

#2 Funeral Leaflet

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In Loving Memory of John Ross Mathews III

Born September 30, 1928 Canby, MInnesota ~ Entered Into Rest October 18, 2018 Council Bluffs, Iowa, aged 90 years, 18 days.

Visitation Friday, October 19, 2018 5:00-7:00 p.m. Hoy-Kilnosky Funeral Home. Funeral Service Saturday, October 20, 2018 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Officiating Clergy: Pastor David Ludwick. Music: Vocalist: Joshua Mathews. Music Selections: "One Day", "Living For Jesus", "His Eye Is On The Sparrow".

Family and friends are invited for lunch and fellowship in the Hoy-Kilnoski Community Room immediately following the funeral service. Memorials are suggested to Antelope Hills Christian Church, 2075 280th Avenue, Canby, Minnesota.

Find a Grave Memorial #194075577

Obituary and funeral leaflet courtesy of the Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clipping and leaflet on file at the Blair Public Library.