William "Bill" Mathies

William Lee Mathies, 86, of Rothschild, passed away December 11, 2025, at Cedar Creek Manor, under the care of Compassus Hospice.

Bill was born January 28, 1939, to the late Leander and Verna (Butenhoff) Mathies in Indiana. He was a graduate of Wausau High School in 1957 and furthered his education by graduating from Carroll College in 1961. At Carroll, in History class, Bill met Sandra Mauthe. They fell in love and were married on July 7, 1962, at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Fond du Lac, WI.

While in high school, Bill ran cross country and track for Hall of Fame Coach Bill Smiley at Wausau High. He was a member of the 1956 Wisconsin State Cross Country Championship team that has been inducted in to the Wausau East Lumberjack Athletic Hall of Fame. He would also run in college at Carroll College. His career as a Safety and Health Consultant was marked by his tenures at Wausau Insurance, Marathon Electric, Zimpro, JJ Keller, and the Marshfield Clinic, where he was respected for his expertise and commitment to ensuring the safety of others. In addition to his professional achievements, Bill served in the U.S. Army Reserve.

An outgoing and patient individual, Bill found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He had a deep passion for coaching and running Little League, where he inspired many young athletes. His love for sports extended to his personal life, as he cherished watching his children and grandchildren participate in various sports activities. He was also an avid fisherman, enjoying quiet moments at his family's cabin on Lake Nokomis. His fondness for playing cards brought him camaraderie and laughter among friends and family. And of course he was an avid Green Bay Packers fan from Lombardi to LaFleur (although we do remember a lot of yelling at the television at Lynn Dickey in the 80s).

His commitment to community was evident through his service on the church council at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church in Weston and his involvement with the Rothschild Police and Fire Commission. Bill was also a fervent supporter of the DC Everest Football program.

Survivors include his wife, Sandy, Rothschild; children, Denise (Greg) Davis, Cheryl (Jim) Trask, Mike (Joan) Mathies, Blake (Jill) Mathies; grandchildren, Ryan, Sara, Alex, Jena, David, Chrystal, Megan, Mackenzie, Paige, and Lucas; 11 great-grandchildren, and several cousins. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Jennifer Mathies.

Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Covenant Community Presbyterian Church, 1806 Weston Avenue, Schofield. Pastor Jim Gates will officiate. Visitation will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 PM on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care, 2809 Jelinek Avenue, Weston and again on Monday from 9:30 AM until the time of service at the church.

The family wishes to thank the staff of Cedar Creek Manor for their compassionate care of Bill.

Ascend Funeral Home & Cremation Care of Weston is assisting the family with arrangements. You may sign the family guestbook at www.ascendweston.org.