Prominent Blair Citizen Dies In Omaha Hospital

Ed Matthiesen, 76, one of Blair’s most outstanding civic leaders before he retired from active business life a few years ago, passed away last Friday morning at the Methodist Hospital in Omaha.

Mr. Matthiesen was born to Mr. and Mrs. F. H. Matthiesen in Blair in September, 1878 and lived his entire life in this city. He was a successful operator of a men’s clothing store for many years. At the same time he gave generously of his time to a number of civic projects.

He served as the head of the Blair Board of Education, was a member of the Blair Park Board and the Blair Cemetery Association. Being an owner of several farms near Blair he was one of the first to back the Papio Soil Conservation District. For 28 years he served on the executive board of the Nebraska State Volunteer Fireman’s Association and was also on the board of the Nebraska Children’s Home Society. He was a staunch Republican and was County Treasurer for the party for several years. At one time he held the controlling interest in the Blair Citizens State and was County Treasurer for the party for several years.

Mr. Matthiesen was a member of the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, the Masonic Lodge, Royal Arch Masons, the Jordan Commandary of Knights of Templers and O. E. S.

In 1910 he was married to Rosie Jahnel and they were the parents of two daughters, Mrs. Wilhelm Grimm (Louise) and Mrs. William Wilson (Fredricka). His wife and two daughters survive him as do four grandchildren, Lt. Paul Grimm, stationed with the U.S.M.C. at Kaneoke Bay, Hawaii, Janet Grimm of Los Angeles, Calif., Robert and Pamela Wilson of Blair. Two sisters, Miss Meta Matthiesen of Pasadena, California and Mrs. Bertha Matthiesen of Europe also survive.

Funeral services were held Monday at 2:30 at the St. Mary’s Episcopal Church with Rev. Samuel Elliston officiating. Burial was made in the Blair Cemetery and the Bendorf Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were LeRoy McCann, Robert Jahnel., Frank Henricksen, Stuart Maurer, Bernard Thompson and Paul Wulf.

Note: No death date was given so the newspaper date was used.