Joseph Mattes

Joseph L. Mattes, age 83, formerly of North Mankato, died Friday, April 16, 2004 at his home in Alvin, TX with his family by his side.

Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Holy Rosary Catholic Church, North Mankato, with Rev. Edward Ardolf officiating. Interment in New Ulm Catholic Cemetery. Visitation 4-8 p.m. Tuesday at Mankato Mortuary with a 7 p.m. prayer service. Visitation also one hour before services at church on Wednesday.

Joseph was born April 30, 1920 in rural St. George, MN to Joseph and Clara (Dorn) Mattes. He married Dorothy Hlavac on August 21, 1940 at St. Willibrords Catholic Church in Gibbon, MN. He was co-owner of Drywall Construction Company and Mattes Interior Supply for many years with his two sons. He moved to Friendswood, TX in 1982. He retired in 1986 and moved to Rockport, TX to relax and fish. In 2000, he moved to Alvin, TX to be with his family. He enjoyed taking vacations with his son, Gene and his family. He looked forward to playing Canasta with his family, watching rodeos and westerns. He always looked forward to coming back to Minnesota to see his family and to fish at his lake cabin.

Joseph is survived by his wife, Dorothy Mattes of Alvin, TX; two sons and their wives, Gene and Lola Mattes of Alvin, TX, Bill and Nancy Mattes of North Mankato; two daughters and their husbands, Kathy and Gary Wass of St. Peter, Sharon and Joe Stoffregen of North Mankato; nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a great-grandson, Jacob Wass; brother, George Mattes; three sisters, Hattie Bushard, Margaret Schwecke, and Helen Werner; and Great-Grandpa Bill; many nieces and nephews.