Kirk D. Mathis, 71, of Burlington, Iowa, died Wednesday, September 25, 2024, at his home.
Born on April 17, 1953, in Shenandoah, Iowa, he was the son of Kenneth and Lucille (Swanson) Mathis. On November 23, 1974, in Shenandoah, he married Karen Gowing.
Kirk was a 1971 graduate of Shenandoah High School. He attended Iowa State University and received his bachelor’s degree in Forestry. He worked for Iowa Department of Natural Resources for sixteen years in the State Parks System and eighteen years in Environmental Protection Division. In 2010, he decided it was time to retire after 34 years of service with Iowa DNR. He was a member of Harmony Bible Church. Kirk was a man of faith and loved to serve Jesus, and loved his country. In his free time, he enjoyed being outdoors, hunting, and fishing. Kirk was a huge Iowa State Cyclones fan, always enjoying a good football or basketball game. When the weather was just right, he loved to take Karen for a ride in his Mustang convertible. Most of all Kirk always loved being with friends and family, especially his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Karen; two sons: T.J. (Jill) Mathis of Danville, Iowa, and Joel (Becky) Mathis of Libertyville, Illinois; three grandchildren: Lucy, Logan and Adam Mathis; three brothers: Greg (Francoise) Mathis of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Tim Mathis of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Jeff (Margie) Mathis of Wellsville, Kansas; sisters-in-law: Kathy (Dennis) Bayless of Shenandoah, Iowa, and Jolinda Gowing of Clarinda, Iowa, and brother-in-law Jeff Saner of Shenandoah, Iowa. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth and Lucille Mathis; in-laws: Clifford and Genevieve Gowing; brother-in-law Kevin Gowing and sister-in-law Kim Saner.
Per his wishes cremation has been entrusted and accorded to the care of Lunning Chapel in Burlington, Iowa.
The visitation for Kirk will be held 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Lunning Chapel in Burlington, Iowa.
A memorial service for Kirk will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, October 12, 2024, at First United Methodist Church in Shenandoah, Iowa, with Pastor Jordan Gowing officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be held in Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah, Iowa.
Online condolences can be made by visiting www.lunningfuneralchapel.com.
