Denis Mathiowetz

Denis J. Mathiowetz, age 72, of New Ulm, formerly of Sleepy Eye, MN died Tuesday, January 18, 2011 at Immanuel St. Joseph's Hospital in Mankato. Denis was born March 21, 1938 to Thomas Mary (Billmeier) Mathiowetz. Denis grew up on the family farm north of Sleepy Eye. He served in the US Army Reserve and married Rosemary Fischer in 1963. He farmed, raising dairy cattle, hogs, and crops until the late 1980's when the disease of Multiple Sclerosis prevented him from continuing. He moved to Sleepy Eye with his family in 1992. As the disease progressed, Denis moved into the Sleepy Eye Care Center where he lived for fourteen years and then for three years at the Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm. Denis had a genuine love for music. In his younger years, he loved to play the trumpet with his brother, and especially enjoyed old time music. He loved to dance and play cards, and was also very mechanical, rebuilding his Oliver tractors. Other past times included watching the MN Twins, enjoying sweets, eating chicken, visiting with friends, or even complete strangers. Denis would make people smile with his sense of humor and jokes, but most importantly, he was a man of very strong faith. Denis is survived by his five children: Denise Ludewig (Brad) of Sleepy Eye, Brian Mathiowetz (Lauren) of Eau Claire, WI, Rhonda Kerkhoff (Doug) of Morgan, Sharon Fromm (Dennis) of Sleepy Eye, and John Mathiowetz (Lyndsey) of Omaha, NE; 10 grandchildren: Kyle, Scott, Sarah, Kevin, Kristin, Nicole, Zac, Carter, Katelyn soon to be Cooper; his mother, Mary Mathiowetz of Sleepy Eye; brother, Edward Mathiowetz (Caroline) of Sleepy Eye, sisters, Delores Helget (Donald) of New Ulm and Carol Davies of Garland, TX. Denis was preceded in death by his father, Thomas, and his infant grandson, Matthew. A memorial fund is being set up in memory of Denis. You may send memorials to Sturm Funeral Home, PO Box 362, Sleepy Eye, MN 56085.