Burton Lee “Burt” Matthies, age 77, of North Platte passed away July 28, 2018, at the Nebraska Heart Institute in Lincoln. Burt was born on March 25th, 1941 in Stanton, Nebraska to Raymond and Ruth (Belmer) Matthies. Burt graduated from Stanton High School in 1958. Following graduation, he entered the United States Air Force and was stationed in Hawaii. After being discharged, he attended Wayne State College where he became an All-American Football player and was ultimately inducted into the Wayne State and Nebraska Football Hall of Fame. He graduated in 1966 with a BA in Physical Education and a minor in Biological Science. Burt was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams after graduation and later played for the Omaha Mustangs semi-pro team.
Burt married Dorothy “Dotti” Shallenberger on June 29, 1963 in Nebraska City. The couple had two children, Brett & Michelle. He taught for six years at Arbor Heights Junior High in Omaha. In 1973, Burt became a United States Probation Officer. He was sworn in as the Chief Unted States Probation Officer for the District of Nebraska on February 2, 1978 and the family relocated to Omaha. Burt retired in March of 1998. After the loss of his wife, Burt met Karen Campbell of North Platte. The two were married on November 12, 2005 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in North Platte.
Burt was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church where he served on various committees and was a member of the choir. He enjoyed traveling and attending his children’s and eventually the grandchildren’s activities. He loved his dog, Sadie. Burt was a very generous man who had much joy in his life and never knew a stranger. He will be remembered as a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend.
Burt’s survivors include his wife, Karen of North Platte; his children, Brett (Marsha) Matthies of Omaha and Michelle (Matt) McNamara of Grand Island; stepchildren, Leah (Joi) Anderson of Turtle Lake, ND, Jeramie Love of Turtle Lake, ND, Jenny (Chan) Timmons of Denver, CO and Laralee Castillo of North Platte; grandchildren, Mallory, Grant and Ella Matthies, Jacob & Kate-Lynn McNamara, Lyndi (Tanner) Boe, Taralee (Brand) Roller, Bailey, Carson & Mia Timmons, Tanner, Abby & Graci Castillo; siblings, Claydell “Doc” Matthies of Lincoln and Helen Hilbers of Stanton, NE; great-grandchildren, Tatum & Hadley Boe; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceeded in death by his parents; his wife, Dotti; siblings, Monabell Mohnsen, Ervin Matthies, Kenneth “Deke” Matthies, Morjorie Mellott, Arthur Matthies and Dale Matthies.
Memorials may be made to St. Patrick’s Catholic Church and online condolences may be shared at www.adamsswanson.com
Christian Wake Services will be at 7:00 p.m. Thursday, August 2nd, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. Friday, August 3rd, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church with the Reverend Matthew Nash as celebrant and Reverend James Golka as concelebrant. Inurnment will taek place at a later date at the Nebraska City Catholic Cemetery. Visitiation will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Thursday at Adams & Swanson Funeral Home, which is in charge of the arrangements.