Paul Allan Mathews 1930–2009

Paul was born in 1930 at Swedish Hospital in Minneapolis and moved to Owatonna when he was 5 years old. He attended Saint Mary's grade school before attending Saint John's Preparatory School in Collegeville, Minn., where he earned all-state honors in tennis. He then attended Saint John's University and was called home during his sophomore year to take over the family's Massey-Ferguson dealership, Mathews Implement Company, Inc. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in April 1951 and was stationed at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colo. He was promoted to the rank of Airman First Class, and served as a B-29 gunnery instructor during the Korean War.

While serving in the Air Force, he married Jean Habiger of Owatonna on Aug. 4, 1951. He returned to Owatonna with Jean to resume his position in the family business, subsequently selling it and launching Mathews Brothers, Inc. in which he and his brother, Beaner, developed Colonial Manor mobile home park, and other ventures, including the first automatic car wash in Owatonna. He then enjoyed an active career in real estate development and continued to engage new entrepreneurial ventures. Toward the end of his career, he followed his love for the road, becoming an independent, over-the-road truck driver.

Paul's civic achievements included President of the Jaycees, where he received the Gold Key Award in 1959 for outstanding civic service and leadership and was later recognized as one of the Ten Outstanding Young Men of Minnesota. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, the Elk's Club, the Sacred Heart Church Council and served as president of Saint Mary's / Marian School Board. He was proud to be a member of the Steele County Free Fair Board.

Paul contributed significantly to the development of Owatonna, a town he loved, through both his entrepreneurial ventures and his many civic activities. He loved to travel, play the stock market and tell a great story. In retirement, he spent time with his children and loved attending his grandchildren's many activities.

Paul is survived by his wife of 58 years, Jean; and their six children: Steve (Taryn) of Lubbock, Texas, Mike (Moya) of Minneapolis, Peter (Ginny) of Minnetonka, Ann Mathews-Lingen (Robyn) of St. Paul, Dan (Amy) of St. Louis Park, and Sara Kunnick (Mike) of Golden Valley. He is also survived by his eight grandchildren, Patrick, Amy, Maia, Emma, Katia, Claire, Will and Ben; and all of his siblings Jim "Beaner," Angela Muller, Marilyn Ogas, and Bob. He is also survived by 20 nieces and nephews, and many great nieces and nephews. He will be dearly missed.