Lloyd Ralph Mattix

MADISON-Lloyd Ralph Mattix, age 99, died on April 19, 2014 at Wynwood West of Madison. Lloyd was born on March 7, 1915 to Ralph Clinton and Josephine “Sophie” (Dobbeck) Maddux (Mattix) in Rock Springs (then Ableman), Wis. He was the third of four children (Edna, Richard, Lloyd, LaRetta). Lloyd had a Tom Sawyer type boyhood, spending much time swimming, fishing and ice skating where the Baraboo River joins Narrows Creek. He also enjoyed basketball and baseball. During the Depression he worked on CCC. After high school, he attended and graduated from Sauk County Teacher’s College where he met the love of his life and future wife, Janet Dederich. After teaching for two years in a rural school, he worked for Madison Kipp until he enlisted in the service. He attended Embry-Riddle School of Aviation and graduated as an Aviation Engineer. Janet and Lloyd were married on April 6, 1942 and shortly thereafter he was sent overseas, where he served in India and China, arriving home three days before Christmas in 1945. After his return, Lloyd began his own construction company, building barns in southern Wisconsin. The family moved to Middleton from Reedsburg in 1951 and his focus turned to constructing homes and commercial properties (banks and schools). He worked for the Farmers Home Administration for a number of years, then left to begin building, owning and managing Senior Citizen apartments. He retired in 1981. Lloyd also enjoyed serving as an usher at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Middleton. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and in retirement, took up a new sport, golf, at age 66 and hit his first hole in one at the age of 68. He also enjoyed spending time with family, searching for Indian artifacts and building model airplanes of WWII. Lloyd is remembered as a devoted husband and father, a loving grandfather/great grandfather and a dependable friend. He had a great sense of humor and zest for life. Survivors include children, Timothy J. (Mary Weber) Mattix of Cross Plains, Susan L. Mattix of Madison, and Robert G. Mattix of Black Earth; grandchildren; Jessica (Josh) Olsen and their children Sophie and Dylan, Catherine (Justin) Blanchar, and their children Carlyn and Autumn, Timothy F. Mattix, Sarah (Nick) Deering, Laura Mattix, Allison Mattix and son Brantley, Janna Mattix (fiance, Zach Johnson) and daughter Isabell, and Ben (Sara) Braydon. Lloyd is also survived by sisters-in-law , many nieces, nephews and great nieces/nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his wife of 69 years, Janet, daughter Jennifer Braydon Scott, sisters Edna (in infancy), LaRetta (Ralph) Hearn and brother Richard (Edith) Mattix. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton at 10:30 AM on Monday, April 28, 2014 with Monsignor Douglas Dushack presiding. Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Loreto, Wis. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON WEST FUNERAL & CREMATION CARE, 7435 University Ave., Middleton from 3 PM until 5 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2014 and also on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of the service at the church. In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to St. Bernard’s Parish or Wynwood West of Madison. The family would like to extend their sincere thanks to Home Health United, Hospice, for their support during the past months, and to the staff at Wynwood West, who provided compassionate care and companionship to Lloyd for the past five years. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson West Funeral & Cremation Care 7435 University Avenue (608)831-6761