John J. Mathews

John J. Mathews, age 99, of Livingston, WI passed away on Friday morning November 18, 2022, at Our House Assisted Living in Platteville. He was born on October 6, 1923, in Haney Township Grant County, WI the son of John and Clara (Flansberg) Mathews. He was united in marriage to Theresa Karasek on February 7, 1948, at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Fennimore.

John was raised in Homer Township in Grant County where he learned his passion for farming through his family. He and his brother often worked side by side operating farms in rural Fennimore and later Mt. Hope. They also would train horses to pull wagons and later sell them. John took great pride when personally asked by a farmer from Livingston for him to help with his farming operation. This farmer had a great respect for John and his wisdom. He did this for many years until purchasing his own farm in Clifton Township. John was known for having a great eye for spotting productive cattle. He often thought of himself as more of a herdsman.

John loved to go dancing with his wife Theresa, playing cards, traveling, fishing, and John Deere tractors. He was a dedicated Christian and active member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church and the Southwest Wisconsin Two-Cylinder Club.

John is survived by his son John D. (Kathy Tommy) Mathews of Janesville, son-in-law Frank Francis of Livingston, four grandchildren; Franklin “Will” (Cindy Molzof) Francis, Kerry (Rick) Beerkircher, Robin (Paul) Pitzer, John Henry (Christine) Mathews, 10 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren, and his sister Sue Schuller of Mena, AR

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife Theresa Mathews, daughter Karen Francis, brother-in-law Dean Schuller along with his five siblings.