Daniel Mathias
Daniel Mathias, a World War II veteran, ran out of gas on Feb. 2, 2026, after putting 100 years on his odometer.
He was born at home in Rib Lake, Sept. 29, 1925 to Henry and Elizabeth Mathias. Dan proudly served in the US Navy from 1944-1946, primarily in the South Pacific. The GI Bill enabled him to obtain a Bachelor of Science degree in special education, for which he was very grateful. He taught at Merrill High School, then worked for the Department of Public Instruction, Bureau for Handicapped Children in Madison, where he assisted local school districts establish special education classes. Following his work in Madison, he was selected by the Green Bay School System to become the director of Special Education and Child Study, where he expanded and began special programs for children with autistic syndrome, emotional disturbances, learning disabilities, speech and language issues, hearing losses, physical handicaps, visual impairments, and those requiring occupational and physical therapy. He began multidisciplinary teams consisting of psychologists, social workers, special education teachers, and speech therapists to evaluate children and provide services for them. While working, Dan earned a MS and PhD from the University of Wisconsin. He also taught some classes through the U of W Extension and Eau Claire where he initiated a program to teach special education teachers.
On July 26, 1947 he married Dorthea Ruge in Medford. They were blessed with four boys, Jeff (Linda Elliot), Tom (Arlene), Mark, and Scott (Melissa). He is also survived by grandchildren, Angie, Ali, Emily, Jerimiah;
1925-2026
and one great-grandson, Micah.
He was preceded in death by his wife; and son, Mark.
Dan enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing cards, reading, and cheering on the Pack, including his presence at the 1967 Ice Bowl, where he sold programs for the Optimist Club. He and Dorothy enjoyed traveling to Kenya to experience a safari with his son Jeff (and Linda) who was serving in the Peace Corps. They also traveled to American Samoa and Hawaii where their oldest son worked. His hunting and fishing excursions took him as far as Wyoming and Alaska. His adventurous nature led to hooking up the Shasta trailer for many local camping trips, as well as a few cross country adventures. Not one to brave the Wisconsin winters, in retirement he and Dorothy spent those cold months in Mission, Texas where they made lots of friends.
In 2012 he was inducted into the Rib Lake High School Hall of Fame, setting an example for students at small, rural schools. He was thrilled to be able to go to Washington D.C. on an Honor Flight as a WWII veteran.
His family would like to extend a big thank you to the staff of Unity Hospice who have been there for him for the past three years. Also thanks to the staff and residents of New Perspective, Howard for their care and friendship.
An interment with military honors will be held at Lakeview Cemetery at 10:30 a.m. in Rib Lake on June 20, 2026, with a social gathering at the house of Tom Mathias, in Rib Lake, to follow.
Paid Obituary 181582
