Alfred Simon Mathes
Alfred Simon Mathes was born on September 10, 1935, in Wasserlosen, Germany. He grew up during the difficult years of World War II. At the age of 19, Alfred came to the United States, making Cheviot, Ohio his home before eventually moving to a farm in Dillsboro, Indiana in 1972. From that point on, he poured his heart into his farm where he built a life rooted in hard work, family, and faith. In 1973, Al became a U.S. citizen and was extremely proud to be an American. Along with his love for farming, he had a great work ethic and was a dedicated employee of Kahns Meats for 42 years, as well as a dedicated member of St. Charles Perish in Milan. On January 18, 1964, Alfred married the love of his life, Joyce (Ernst) Mathes. They were blessed with 60 years of marriage together, raising three children: Steve (Beth) Mathes, Mike (Jennifer) Mathes, and Jennifer (Mike) Knowlton. Alfred is also survived by his cherished grandchildren Sara (Aaron) Salyer, Rachel (Ben) Lawhorn, Aaron (Erica) Mathes, Danielle Holman, Abbey (TJ) Menchhofer, and Ben Knowlton. He also was blessed with 12 great-grandchildren: Grayson, Aurora, and Lane Lawhorn; Noah, Saul, and Anna Salyer; Cash, Mia, and Kennedy Mathes; and Lily, Bella, and Conway Holman. Al is also survived by many dear nieces and nephews in Germany. He was preceded in death by his father Stefan Simon-Mathes, mother Aloisia Zeissner Mathes, brothers Carl and Willie Simon-Mathes, sister Gerda Hofmann, and granddaughter Emily Mathes. Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles. Rosary services will begin at 3:30 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday at 10 a.m. at St. John Catholic Church in Osgood with Father Binu Mathew officiating. Burial will be in the Cliff Hill Cemetery in Versailles. A meal will be provided at St. Johns immediately after the graveside service. Memorials may be made to the Emily Mathes Scholarship or to the Alzheimer’s Foundation in care of the funeral home.
