Michael E. Mathes, age 68, formerly of Kiel, WI, retired publisher of the Tri-County News, died peacefully on Friday, October 1, 2021 at Froedtert Hospital, Milwaukee, WI after a brief but courageous fight with brain cancer.

Mike was born on September 1, 1953 in Sheboygan, WI, oldest child  of the late Earl and Betty (Wendling) Mathes.  He attended Kiel High School where he was a four sport athlete and an award winning public speaker; graduating in 1971. He continued his education at UW-LaCrosse where he was a member of Delta Sigma Phi fraternity. In 1980 Mike returned to Kiel, joining his father at the Kiel Record, presently known as Tri-County News, first as sports writer and photographer and later shifting to publisher. On September 25, 1982 he married Ann Kandler at St. John's in Little Chute, WI. In addition to his involvement with the newspaper business Mike was also a church and community leader, sports enthusiast, coach, and musician. Of all Mike's many roles, his most cherished were those within his family, the newest being grandpa.

He is survived by his wife, Ann, daughters Rebecca (Kaleb) Gottwald and Rachel (David) Wilkinson, and his three grandchildren Robert Gottwald, Judah and Rosalie Wilkinson. Mike is additionally survived by his siblings Patricia Zastrow, Joe (Pam) Mathes, Tim (Cindy) Mathes, mother-in-law: Imelda Kandler; siblings-in-law: Jim (Susan) Kandler, Margie (Joe) Wegand, and his uncles and aunts: Will (Lora) Mathes, Darwin Kanz, Clara Mathes, Elaine Brill (Vern Malchow).

Mike is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents, father-in-law Robert Kandler, brother-in-law: Rich Zastrow and several aunts and uncles

Per Mike's wishes cremation has taken place and service will be held at 5:00 PM on Thursday, October 7, 2021 at St. Peter's UCC, Kiel.  Officiating at the service will be Rev. James McKinzie with Rev. Judine Duerwaechter assisting.  The family will greet relatives and friends at the church from 1:00 PM until 4:45 PM.  The family has requested all those attending the visitation to please kindly wear a mask.  A private burial will take place at Kiel Belitz Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund will be established in Mike's name.