Robert "Bob" Matthes

Robert "Bob" Matthes, 62 of Sidney, passed away at his home, Wed., April 1, 2015.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Wed., April 8, with Wake Services at 6 p.m., Tues. evening, April 7. Both services will be in the St. Patrick's Catholic Church with Father Jim Heithoff officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel on Tuesday from 1 to 4 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made in Bob's name to the Cheyenne County 4-H Council for the new expansion project, SRMC Hospice or St. Patrick's Catholic Church. You may view Bob's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Bob's care and funeral arrangements.

Robert Allen "Bob" Matthes, the son of Frank August and Dolly Maxine (Gross) Matthes, was born on June 27, 1952 in Sidney. He attended the Sidney Public Schools graduating from Sidney High School in 1970. Bob competed in football for three years and wrestling for four years. Bob was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and confirmed in 1965. Bob worked on the I-80 project following graduation before enlisting in the United States Army on Oct. 31, 1971 and served in Korea. Following his Honorable Discharge on Aug. 23, 1973 Bob returned to Sidney and did construction work until 1980 when he moved to Prescott, Ariz. and attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and completed the four year program in three years, graduating with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautical Science. On Aug. 27, 1983, Bob was united in marriage to Joanie Roettele in Sidney. They moved to Norfolk where Bob worked at the Norfolk Airport as a Pilot until they returned to the area in 1984 and made their home in Lodgepole before returning to Sidney. Bob continued working construction helping build the local Runza, Cabela's Retail Store and the Virginia Converter Station. They then moved to Seveirville, Tenn. in 1987 to continue working in the construction business. The family moved back to Sidney in 1990 and Bob started RAM construction. In Sept. of 1993, he began working with the Union Pacific Railroad on the M of W local gang. Bob worked in Division and Systems with his last position working as a Truck Driver moving equipment and supplies to the working gangs. He drove as far east as Chicago, Ill., west to Los Angeles and as far north as Seattle.

While in Tennessee Bob joined the Catholic Church on Easter Vigil Saturday, 1989, the same day his mother would pass away in Sidney. On Jan. 2, 1994, Bob joined the Knights of Columbus and served as Grand Knight from July 1, 1999 to June 30, 2001.

Survivors include his wife: Joanie of Sidney; his children: Audrey Matthes of Sidney, James Matthes of Lincoln and David Matthes also of Sidney; his sister: Ramona Radke and husband Leon of Sidney; father-in-law: Paul Roettele of Aurora; brothers-in-law: Rob Roettele and wife Dee of Lincoln, Steve Roettele and wife Marguereite of Voldosta, Ga. and Paul Upah of Denver; sisters-in-law: Meg Roettele and Barb Donily of Rifle, Colo., Becki Winters and husband Rich of Aurora and Cami Prenn and husband Neil of Reno, Nev. and numerous extended family members and friends. Bob was preceded in death by his parents Dolly and Frank, mother-in-law: Betty Roettele and sister-in-law: Beth Upah.