STEPHEN ALLAN MATHEWS

Steven Allan Mathews, 52, passed away Sept. 6, 2001 in Palmer, Alaska.
Steven was born Jan. 12, 1949 in Bemidji, Mn. He graduated from International Falls High School in 1967 and attended two years of college.
Steve served in the U.S. Air Force for 22 years, retiring in 1992. His Alaska residency began June 5, 1983 at Elmendorf Air Force Base, where he lived until 1987. He lived in Anchorage and Chiguak before moving to Wasilla in 1993, where he lived until the time of his death.
Steve had been employed by the U.S. Air Force from 1968 to 1992. He also worked as a school bus driver for Laidlaw Transit from 1994-2001.
His hobbies and special interests were hunting, fishing, R.V. camping, snowmobiling, leather and woodworking crafts, and reading.
Steven was predeceased by his father, Robert L. Mathews of International Falls, Mn.; and stepfather, Ed. Joe Podgorski of Fort Frances, Ont.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Virginia; daughters, Stephanie (John) Jessen, and Jennifer (Michael) Spindler; son, Benjamin (Amy) Mathews; grandchildren, J.J., Judy, Joshua, Kaylynn, Tanner, and Nikki; mother, Angie Podgorski of Fort Frances, Ont.; brother, Leroy (Sandra) of White Bear Lake, Mn.; and sister, Melody (Keith) Bolin of Duluth, Mn.
Also surviving are his father- and mother-in-law, Clarence and Ester Bishop of Badger, Mn.; half-brother, Tim Mathews and half-sister, Cheryl (Virgil) Bishop; and “Toots.”
Many nieces and nephews, cousins, aunts, and uncles, and many good friends also survive.
He will be greatly missed by family and friends and all who knew Steve. He always was there with a helping hand, making you laugh. He could turn bad days into good.
Funeral services were held in Wasilla, Alaska on Sept. 10, 2001. Cremation followed.
Prayers and a memorial mass were held Thursday, Sept. 13, 2001 in Fort Frances. A thank you to Father Eugene Whyte and Chaplain John Chornaby & Flo.
Thank you to everyone for calls, prayers, and all you have done for me.
Angie Podgorski-Mathews family.