Donald "Si" Gene Mathiasen

Donald “Si” Gene Mathiasen was born June 30, 1929 to Simon and Annie Mathiasen. He grew up in Harlan, graduating from Harlan High School. He attended the University of Iowa, at which he was president of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.

Si met his wife there and they were married February 4, 1951. After graduation, they moved to Omaha, Nebraska, living and working there until 1960, at which time they moved to Harlan, Iowa. He joined the Shelby County State Bank and became very involved in the community. He was president of the Iowa Community College Board, Hospital Board, and President of the Chamber of Commerce, Industrial Development Board, and a Shriner. Si and Jane were named “Citizens of the Year” in 1982.

His favorite things, beside his granddaughters, were hunting quail and pheasant with his dog, Penny, golf, fishing, and flying planes. Si and Jane also did quite a bit of traveling after his retirement. They spent their winters in Sun Lakes, Arizona for more than twenty years, also volunteering there with “Neighbors Who Care.” They moved to Edgewater in 2009, shortly after it was completed.

Si passed away October 15, 2015. He is survived by his daughters, Sally Kalal and Julie (Ed) McGillicuddy; son, Mark Mathiasen; sister, Ruth Rahn; seven granddaughters who were the pride and joy of his life: Theresa (Bryan) Stark, Amy (Tanner) Brown, Michele Kalal, Beth Kalal, Alyssa McGillicuddy, Amanda McGillicuddy, and Mary Mathiasen; three great-grandsons: Corey, Logan and Nathan Stark; and many nieces and nephews. Si is preceded in death by his wife, Jane Mathiasen; brother, George Mathiasen; sisters, Margaret Christensen and Norma Lansman.

There will be a memorial service held at Edgewater Retirement Community, 9225 Cascade Avenue, West Des Moines at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 28, 2015 followed by light refreshments. Inurnment will follow at 2:30 p.m. at the Harlan Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Harlan Industrial Foundation, Shelby County Health Foundation or the Van Meter United Methodist Church. Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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