Emer Mathias

EMER "MATT" MATHIAS, 93, of Grand Rapids, formerly of Petoskey and Mancelona, died on March 5, 2010 at the Clark Community Retirement Home in Grand Rapids. Matt was born on August 27, 1916 in Mancelona, the son of Samuel and Fannie (Allison) Mathias. Matt graduated from Mancelona High School in 1934. Following graduation he went on to County Normal then began teaching in various rural schools in Antrim County. He served in the U.S. Air Force for 30 months where he was stationed in Alaska for most of that time and held the job of Cryptographer. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, then went on to earn his Master's degree from the University of Michigan then his Specialist degree from Wayne State University. He taught in East Tawas, Big Rapids, Highland Park, Channing, MI., and was an exchange teacher in London, England. He founded several scholarships for Mancelona High School that were established for students who wanted to become school teachers. One in particular was the Otho Scholarship which he started in memory of his brother John "Ortho" Mathias. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother John "Otho" Mathias. Funeral services will take place on Tues., March 9 at 2:00 p.m. at the Mancelona United Methodist Church. Dr. Wayne C. Barrett and Rev. Steve Weinberger will officiate. Visitation will take place from noon until the time of services. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Mancelona. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mancelona Education Foundation or to the Mancelona United Methodist Church. Arrangements are being handled by the Mancelona Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign our online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com.