Mathyas Backhaus

Mathyas “Math” Backhaus, 96 of North Mankato and formerly from The Netherlands, died Wednesday, January 20, 2016 at Oak Terrace Assisted Living.

Visitation will be held from 4-6pm, Tuesday, January 26 at Mankato Mortuary (1001 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato). Funeral Mass 11am, Wednesday, January 27 at Holy Rosary Catholic Church (546 Grant Avenue, North Mankato, MN 56003) with visitation one hour prior. Reverend Paul van de Crommert will officiate. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Math was born July 31, 1919 in Merkelbeek, The Netherlands to Johann and Maria (Dohmen) Backhaus. He married Gerarda “Grace” Buurman in Hoensbroek, The Netherlands on January 27, 1945 and raised two daughters, Hendrika “Riky” and Maria “Mary.” Math studied carpentry in trade school and worked in a coal mine before immigrating to the United States in 1957. He worked as a cabinet maker and woodworker for Hager Manufacturing in Mankato for many years until his retirement in 1984. In his spare time, Math enjoyed woodworking, watching professional wrestling, needlework, tending to his vegetable garden, socializing with friends, and wintering in Arizona.

Survivors include his daughters, Hendrika “Riky” (Floyd) Griffith of Madison Lake and Arizona; Maria “Mary” (Luverne) Johnson of Good Thunder; grandchildren, Jeff Griffith, Thea Lillo, Anna Mickelson, and Barbra Kelley; and great-grandchildren, Chloe, Nicolas, Grace, Ellen, Conner, and Aiden. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Grace in 2008; and 4 brothers and 2 sisters.