1905
E.
1905
E. II
April 28, 1905 — June 30, 1905
E. David Matthaidess II, of Rib Mountain, died of a heart attack on Friday, June 6, 2008 in Boston, Massachusetts; surrounded by family after attending his son's graduation from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government the previous day.
He was born in Indiana to Vinita and the late Edwin Matthaidess. He married Kathleen (Kathy) Hanke in 1975 in Charlesburg, Wisconsin. She survives.
Dave spent 36 years in the U.S. Army with service on active duty and in both the National Guard and the Army Reserve. Joining the Army in 1963 at age 17, he was named Outstanding Solider of the Regimental Guard at the U.S. Army Training Center, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Dave progressed through the enlisted ranks to Master Sergeant (E-8) before receiving a direct commission and serving an additional 18 years as an officer before retiring as a Major (O-4) in 1999. A decorated combat leader with service in Vietnam and the Cold War, Dave earned the coveted Special Forces "Green Beret" and served as a Team Sergeant in numerous elite Special Forces units throughout his Army career in addition to later commands in the 209th Field Artillery and the 174th Infantry. His awards and decorations include the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Scuba Diver Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He earned the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Star Medals, three Bronze Star Medals and three Purple Heart Medals among many others.
Dave grew up in Carthage, Illinois but later graduated from Racine Lutheran High School. He went on to receive a BA in History from Carthage College where his father was a professor (where his daughter also later graduated), a Masters in Modern Studies from Loyola College of Maryland (where his son also later graduated) in addition to a Graduate Degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
He most recently served as the Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer with a marine products manufacturer and previously held senior executive positions with Xerox, Raytheon, United Technologies and TRW.
His interests and avocations were widespread and varied and included history, reading and the outdoors. His main hobby was bragging about his children's accomplishments. He was a mentor in education and business to many.
His legacy lives on in his son, US Army Major Edwin (Kellie Duncan) Matthaidess III and first grandson David Tate due in July of Gainesville, Virginia and daughter Cherie (USMC Captain Brian) Robinson of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Private services will be held. In-lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in his name. Online condolences can be expressed at memoriesofdave@gmail.com and through www.helke.com.
He was born in Indiana to Vinita and the late Edwin Matthaidess. He married Kathleen (Kathy) Hanke in 1975 in Charlesburg, Wisconsin. She survives.
Dave spent 36 years in the U.S. Army with service on active duty and in both the National Guard and the Army Reserve. Joining the Army in 1963 at age 17, he was named Outstanding Solider of the Regimental Guard at the U.S. Army Training Center, Ft. Leonard Wood, MO. Dave progressed through the enlisted ranks to Master Sergeant (E-8) before receiving a direct commission and serving an additional 18 years as an officer before retiring as a Major (O-4) in 1999. A decorated combat leader with service in Vietnam and the Cold War, Dave earned the coveted Special Forces "Green Beret" and served as a Team Sergeant in numerous elite Special Forces units throughout his Army career in addition to later commands in the 209th Field Artillery and the 174th Infantry. His awards and decorations include the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Master Parachutist Badge, the Pathfinder Badge, the Scuba Diver Badge, the Air Assault Badge and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. He earned the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Star Medals, three Bronze Star Medals and three Purple Heart Medals among many others.
Dave grew up in Carthage, Illinois but later graduated from Racine Lutheran High School. He went on to receive a BA in History from Carthage College where his father was a professor (where his daughter also later graduated), a Masters in Modern Studies from Loyola College of Maryland (where his son also later graduated) in addition to a Graduate Degree from the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College.
He most recently served as the Vice President of Operations and Chief Operating Officer with a marine products manufacturer and previously held senior executive positions with Xerox, Raytheon, United Technologies and TRW.
His interests and avocations were widespread and varied and included history, reading and the outdoors. His main hobby was bragging about his children's accomplishments. He was a mentor in education and business to many.
His legacy lives on in his son, US Army Major Edwin (Kellie Duncan) Matthaidess III and first grandson David Tate due in July of Gainesville, Virginia and daughter Cherie (USMC Captain Brian) Robinson of Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Private services will be held. In-lieu of flowers, a scholarship will be established in his name. Online condolences can be expressed at memoriesofdave@gmail.com and through www.helke.com.
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