MATTES, Dorothy Emma

Dorothy E. Mattes, 91, of Laurel, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013 in Laurel. Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 18 at United Presbyterian Church in Laurel, with Pastor Dennis Hett officiating. Visitation with the family present will begin at 6 p.m., with a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17 at the church. Dorothy Emma Mattes was born Feb. 22, 1922, in Wakefield, to Victor and Clementine Weaver. She attended school in Wakefield. On March 6, 1941 she married Earl Mattes. They farmed all their life and celebrated 61 years of marriage before Earl’s death on Jan. 1, 2002. Dorothy was the Dixon County District #4 Supervisor for Clark, Concord and Logan Townships for 24 years. She was very proud of serving on the Dixon County Board of Supervisors. Dorothy represented Dixon County on Region IV, a board that served 20 counties and served on the Region IV Council in South Sioux City. Anyone knowing Dorothy knew she had a passion and love for her job and she did it well. Dorothy had the distinction of being the only woman at that time to serve on the Dixon County Board of Supervisors. Aside from her job, Dorothy was a loyal wife, nurturing mother, loving grandmother, and giving neighbor. She radiated optimism and was strong beyond compare. She adored her family and friends. Every meal at her house was a feast. Dorothy looked forward to every holiday, eager to welcome all her loved ones into her home to celebrate. Survivors include three children; Shirley and Tom Fredricksen and of Laurel, Dennis and Karen Mattes, of Gretna and Ellen Collins, and the late Kirk Collins of Omaha; grandchildren; Julie and Dennis Hart, Shelly and Brad Rath, Andy and Jon Fredricksen, Erik and Pola Mattes, David Mattes and Bryan Mattes, Ashley and Paige Collins; great-grandchildren, Josh and Britney Hart and Justin Hart; Stephanie and Jason Love, Amy Rath and Katie Rath and Drew Tilley; great-great grandchildren, Haley and Hannah Hart. She was preceded in death by her parents, parents-in-law; husband, Earl Mattes; son, Franklin Mattes; son-in-law, Kirk Collins; and three brothers and their wives. Honorary pallbearers are Dorothy’s granddaughters, great-granddaughters and great-great-granddaughters. Active pallbearers are Dorothy’s grandsons, Andy and Jon Fredricksen, Erik, David, and Bryan Mattes, Dennis Hart, Brad Rath, and great-grandsons, Josh and Justin Hart and Drew Tilley. Burial will be in the Wakefield Cemetery in Wakefield. Arrangements are under the direction of Mohr Funeral Home in Ponca, NE.