William Matteer

William Hugh Mateer was born November 22, 1925 in Huron, SD the son of Walter and Mary (O?Brien) Mateer. Bill grew up in Sioux Falls, SD where he attended school. While attending Cathedral High School Bill played football and basketball. In his junior year Bill did whatever it took to join the United States Marine Corps. In 1943 he was stationed at Camp Pendleton near San Diego, CA. Following his discharge in October 1944 Bill returned to Sioux Falls where he completed high school and went on to receive a degree in education from the University of South Dakota at Vermilion. Following his schooling Bill coached football at Cathedral High. On November 8, 1952 Bill was united in marriage to Barbara Coyne at Aberdeen, SD. The couple made their home in Minneapolis where Bill began working for GMAC. They moved back to Aberdeen where Bill worked with GMAC. The family moved to Mobridge, SD where Bill started a finance company. He later joined the staff at Citizens Bank of Mobridge as vice president. In 1968 Bill and his family moved to Alexandria, MN where Bill took job with Bremer Bank. After twenty years with Bremer Bill retired in 1988. Bill enjoyed spending time golfing and pheasant hunting. He guided pheasant hunting trips in South Dakota for many of his friends and family. He and Barbara enjoyed traveling to Europe, Ireland and Scotland. They also traveled south in the winter and enjoyed visiting their children. Bill also liked to read and do word puzzles. Bill was always active in his community; volunteering was something he took seriously and his efforts created a better world for everyone. He served his community in many different ways. Bill taught religious education in Alexandria and he served as a school board member for St. Mary?s School. He has served as Grand Knight for the Knights of Columbus. In his retirement he served as a substitute teacher at Jefferson High School, Discovery Middle School, and Alexandria Technical College. He worked as a football and basketball referee traveling throughout South Dakota. Bill and Barbara helped develop a marriage encounter group in Alexandria, which they began in 1974. Bill was a member of the Moose Lodge in Mobridge and the Elks Lodge and Rotary Club in Alexandria. He served twice as commander of American Legion Post 87 in Alexandria. He also served as president of the Jaycees. Bill worked on several fundraising projects and was instrumental in the development of the Runestone Community Center. He also co-chaired the project to build Citizen?s Field in Alexandria. Bill was also a supporter of community theater. Giving people and projects his time and attention is something Bill loved doing. On Saturday January 10, 2009 Bill died at the age of eighty-three years. He was preceded in death by his brother, Walter Mateer; and two grandchildren, Stella Sorenson and Florian Mateer. Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara Mateer of Alexandria; children, Jennifer Mateer of St. Paul, MN, Curtis Mateer and wife, Sandy, of Alexandria, Mary Mateer of Minneapolis Timothy Mateer and wife, Sara Breuer, of Austin, TX, Patricia Mateer Ludwig and husband, Paul, of St. Nicholas, MN and Joseph Mateer and wife, Christine, of Arcata, CA; nine grandchildren, Rebecca Mateer, Shaun Mateer, Henry Mateer, Lucas Ludwig, Maggie Ludwig, Colin Mateer, Bryce Mateer, Milo Mateer and Iris Mateer; one sister-in-law, Mary Mateer of Glenwood Springs, CO; and several nieces and nephews. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Wednesday, January 14, 2009 at St. Mary?s Church in Alexandria. Rev. Fr. Steve Binsfeld was the celebrant. Interment will be in Fort Snelling National Cemetery at a later date. Casket bearers included Morrie Grover, Jim Lehman, Gary Folsom, Ray Farley, Tom Kessler and Mike Coyne. Military honors were accorded by American Legion Post 87 and VFW Post 936. Arrangements were with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.