Ernest Matthiesen

Ernest J. Matthiesen, 80 of Aurora died Saturday, February 14, 2015 at Clarkson Towers in Omaha. He now rests in the arms of our Lord and with his son, Steven; his parents; family and friends. Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Grand Island. Celebrating Mass will be Father Todd Philipsen. Military honors will be rendered by the United Veterans Honor Guard and the Navy following Mass at the church. To honor his wishes cremation has taken place. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday with a Christian Wake Service at 7 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church. All Faiths Funeral Home is serving the family. Mr. Matthiesen was born December 15, 1934 to Ernest and Laura (Schaupdach) Matthiesen in Grand Island. Survivors of the immediate family include his wife of 56 years, Rosemary; his four daughters, Cindy (David) Arneson of Omaha and their four boys, Jacob, Nicholas, Joseph and Noah, daughter, Julie Johnson of Olathe, KS and her children, Eric, Samantha and Paige, daughter, Lisa (Jeff) Hoffman of Grand Island and their children, Allison (Evan) Beckstrom, Owen, and Amber Hoffman and Brad Uden of Hastings, daughter, Barbara (Kent) Sundberg of Aurora and children, Andrew Journey and Allie Hild and their daughter, Emma Rose of Aurora and Ashley Journey and friend Scott Madden of Aurora; his sisters, Mary (Robert) Kaeiser of Manitowoc, Wisconsin and Barbara Kendall of Manitowoc, Wisconsin; sister-in-law, Mary Bohnart of Grand Island and many nephews, nieces and friends. In addition to his son, Steven and parents he is preceded in death by his in-laws, Bernard and Gertrude Hiser and brother-in-laws, Robert and William Hiser. Ernie graduated from Grand Island Senior High, class of 1953. In 1954 he joined the Navy serving four years aboard different ships having made fourteen cruises in the Mediterranean. He was honorably discharged in 1958. On September 6, 1958 he married Rosemary Hiser. They lived the first two years in Wahoo where Ernie was a lineman. They moved to Grand Island where he served as an electrical lineman for the City of Grand Island for 38 years. They have lived in Aurora for the past eight years. He enjoyed spending time camping with his family. He and the girls loved to fish and take nature walks while mom spent time reading and doing the cooking. He planted many fruitful gardens. Later when the girls left home, Ernie joined the Lower Loup Muzzleloaders a group range at Dannebrog. Many weekends were spent in Nebraska at different areas. A group of five were called the Two Brigades, Danny Halverson (two stoves), Jan Willy (two poles), Jake Groser (two feathers), Phil Tripe (two buckets) and Ernie Matthiesen (two slow). These five had a great time and close bond. Special thanks to Danny for helping Ernie over the past few years. He also enjoyed the time with his family at softball games, camping, vacations and attending the girls many activities. His family was a great joy to him and Rosemary. He belonged to Blessed Sacrament for many years where he served as an usher. In Aurora they belonged St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Platt Duetsche. They attended bible study at both church’s in GI and Aurora and they taught catechism. They volunteered together at the Museum in Aurora and enjoyed the Aurora Senior Center. They enjoyed several bus trips, his favorite was the Horseshoe Casino, not to gamble but the buffet eating. A memorial fund will be established in memory of Ernie.

Ernest Matthiesen

December 15, 1934 - February 14, 2015

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Ernest Matthiesen

December 15, 1934 - February 14, 2015

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support