Leroy August Matthias

LeRoy August Matthias, age 87 of Monee, IL passed away peacefully at his home on Sunday, September 10, 2023, surrounded by his wife and loved ones. He is survived by his loving wife of 33 Years, Cindy Matthias, nee Buchmeier. Sons Richard Matthias (Paula), David Matthias, James Zahn (Jennifer), Daughter Mandy Bintliff (Graham), Daughter-In-Law Patricia “Susie” Matthias, Bonus Daughters Christy Coyle and Lori Willmer, 19 Grandchildren, 11 Great Grandchildren, and 2 Great-Great Grandchildren. Brother Wayne Matthias (Crystal), Sisters Sandy Matthias, Kathleen Pattenaude (Gary), and many Nieces and Nephews. Preceded in death by his Sons Robert Matthias, Patrick Matthias, Michael Matthias, Sisters Shirley DeSantis and Sharon DeMarco, Mother Rosella Matthias, and Father Herbert Matthias.

LeRoy was born on July 24, 1936 on his Grandpa & Grandma Wehermann’s farm in Beecher, IL to Rosella and Herbert Matthias. After moving to Sollitt, IL, his first job as a boy was pulling thistles in the fields for local farmers. The family then moved to South Chicago Heights, IL where he attended Grant Junior High. LeRoy began working at the age of 12 as a shoeshine boy in the taverns in the Heights and a Caddy at Flossmoor Country Club for two summers while attending Bloom High School. He then was a bowling pin setter at 20th Century Bowling Alley, and on nights and weekends, worked at Thrall Car building Railroad Cars and was a cab driver for Safeway Cab. At the age of 18, he began working for Illinois Shade Cloth. He was married in 1956 to Virginia Koester and welcomed five boys between 1956 and 1967 – Robert, David, Patrick, Michael, and Richard. In 1959, moved to Monee, IL. Throughout the ‘60s, he continued working at Illinois Shade Cloth, Cardox, coating tanks for chemicals, and Standard Gas Station on nights and weekends. In 1969, LeRoy began his career for the Village of Park Forest, Department of Public Works, where he worked until his retirement. In the summer of 1988, LeRoy met Cindy Buchmeier and they were married in May of 1990.

LeRoy absolutely loved Fishing and being on the water on Hamlin Lake in Ludington, Michigan with his family. Yearly trips to Michigan, working in the Garden and yard, Family gatherings with fish fry's and cook-outs, and giving the Grandkids rides on the Tractor and wagon. He adored family traditions and having everyone home for the Easter Egg Hunt and Family Christmas. LeRoy always had his way of being a character and saying things to put a smile on your face.

Visitation to be held Friday, September 15, 2023 from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Smits – Steger Memorial Chapel, 3045 Chicago Rd. Steger, Illinois 60475. Funeral Service Saturday, September 16, 2023 10:00 a.m. at Steger Memorial Chapel. Interment to follow at Skyline Memorial Park – Monee, IL.   For more information, please call 708-755-6100 or visit our online obituary and guestbook at www.SMITSFH.com