JEFFREY “JEFF” MATHEWS

Jeffrey “Jeff” Mathews, age 73, of Maple Park, IL, passed away suddenly, Saturday, June 29, 2024. He now rolls down streets of gold in a vintage Rambler, seeing the sights and meeting old friends and family.

He was born October 12, 1950, in Aurora, IL, to loving parents, Harold and Mary Mathews.

Jeff grew up in Aurora and attended local schools. He graduated from East Aurora High School with the class of 1968.

Jeff found a safe place for his heart in the hands of Catherine Voigt through YSP (Young Single Parents). Their love grew and blended just like their families when they were united in marriage on October 19, 1991. They began their life together in Maple Park, setting down decades long roots and making a lifetime of memories.

Jeff found work at Caterpillar for a short time, then later he spent some time at Montgomery Ward. Jeff also sat behind the camera photographing weddings, and then worked at Kraft Foods in logistics. He spent many years in sales but for the last 20, he did odd jobs that few thought of doing, let alone doing it well. Jeff never really had a formal retirement as he followed his interests which kept his mind and hands busy.

Jeff was a faithful member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Maple Park. He also followed his passion for cars as a member of the DeKalb/Sycamore Vintage Auto Club.

Jeff loved his cars, especially Ramblers, and was an eager participant in many cars shows and swap meets looking for anything that might catch his eye.  He drove thousands of miles helping his friends pick up or take cars back and forth but will live on as extras in his ‘65 Rambler during the filming of The Trial of the Chicago Seven (2020). Every garage sale was a destination, much to Cathy’s chagrin. He never met a stranger and always made sure to speak to everyone in the room before departing. The McDonalds on east Lincoln in DeKalb was a popular meeting place for he and his friends to meet, swap stories and solve the world’s problems over a cup of coffee. Trips to Georgia and Washington were filled with love and adoration of his grandchildren, wherever they may have roamed.

He now leaves his loving wife, Cathy Mathews; five children: Brian (Rachael) Mathews and their children, Kenzie and Vivian; Bill (Alison) Donovan, and their daughter, Eleanor; Lisa (Jeremy Benson) Mathews and her daughter, Ivy; Bethany (Chad) Gilliam and their children: Kyla, Cris, and Gavin; and Dove (Ellie) Muridae; one brother, Kevin (Beth) Mathews and their son Kyle; his godparents, Dorothy and John Biggs; and a community of friends.   

Jeff is now reunited with his parents, Harold and Mary Mathews; two siblings: Jennifer Mathews in infancy, and Theresa Link who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 1-3 p.m., with a funeral service to begin at 3 p.m., Friday, July 5, 2024, at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn, IL 60119. Private family burial will follow cremation at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Jeff’s  name. Checks may be made to the “Jeffrey F. Mathews Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.