Bryce D. Matthies

Funeral Services for Bryce D. Matthies will be conducted from the United Methodist Church in Long Island, Kansas on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Dean Gilbert, officiating. Interment will be in the Long Island Cemetery.

Bryce Dale Matthies, 83 years of age, of Alma, Nebraska (formerly of Long Island, Kansas) passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2008 at the Colonial Villa Good Samaritan Center in Alma. He was born November 29, 1924 on the family farm east of Long Island, the fourth of nine children of Jurgen Henry and Dora M. (Broeker) Matthies. Bryce received his education at Long Island, graduating from Long Island High School with the class of 1943.

Following his education, Bryce engaged in farming in 1947 and continued to love the labor of the land his entire life. He continued to live on the farm until his failing health and in March of 2006, Bryce made his home at the Colonial Villa in Alma.

He leaves to mourn his passing his four brothers: Stanley Matthies and his wife, Carol of Fairfield, California, Lynn Matthies and his wife, Lois of Salida, Colorado, Floyd Matthies and his wife, Sharlene of Littleton, Colorado and Loyd Matthies and his wife, Lucille of Oxford, Nebraska; one sister, Betty Watson and her husband, Jim of Orangevale, California; brother-in-law, Robert Rife of Des Moines, New Mexico; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers: Wayne and Bernard and a sister, Yvonne "Bonnie" Rife.

Visitation for Bryce will be held at the church prior to the services.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Mitchell-Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Oxford is in charge of the arrangements.