In loving memory of

Leland Eugene Mathews
January 21, 1951 - February 18, 2018

Leland E. Mathews, 67, of Des Moines, formerly of Colfax, passed away Sunday, February 18, 2018 at his home. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at the Howard Street Christian Church in Colfax. Visitation will also take place on Thursday beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will take place at McKeever Cemetery. A general memorials has been established in Leland's honor to be donated to a charity at a later date. Condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com


Leland Eugene Mathews was born January 21, 1951 in Webster City, Iowa, to Lyle E. and Eva Miriam (Coats) Mathews. He grew up in the Webster City area and graduated from Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo with a degree as a machinist. He lived in the Des Moines area starting in the 1970s before moving to Colfax in 1979. He worked as a machinist for Woodford Manufacturing and Eagle Iron Works for 25+ years and at Methodist Hospital in maintenance for approximately 10 years. Additionally, he was the proprietor of Iowa Wheel Sports, specializing in repair, sales and service of vintage European motorcycles. He was well known as a dirt bike guru in the Midwest and won many awards and trophies for competitions across many disciplines including hillclimb, harescrambles, ice racing and enduro.

Lee is survived by his daughter Suzy (Dan) Greenwood of Illinois, his companion Caroline Irons, his sister Kathleen Mathews (Michael Retman), his niece Elizabeth (Chris) Cook and great nephew Thomas Cook. He also leaves behind a legacy of lives passionate about motorcycles whom he influenced. Lee is preceded in death by his parents.


Tributes

Bill Hanke wrote on Feb 23, 2018:

"My 1st OSSA was Leland's 1st OSSA-a 175 stiletto. He replaced it with a 250 Phantom and we spent a season or two hill climbing. There's no doubt, his passion and enthusiasm for motorcycling touched a lot of people. RIP Leland. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. Bill Hanke"

Bill Phillips wrote on Feb 21, 2018:

"So Sorry to learn of Leland's passing, I have fond memories of being his ups man , he kept me busy, sending my thoughts and prayers to Suzy and his family and friends."

Maris Masengill wrote on Feb 19, 2018:

"Sorry for your loss. Remember hill climbing with Leland those were the days"

David Phillips wrote on Feb 19, 2018:

"Lee coaching me learning how to hill climb .showing me the way"

David Phillips wrote on Feb 19, 2018:

"Matthews family so sorry for your loss he was a good friend. A memory of Lee working long nights in the shop getting ready to go to a event. David Phillips"

Dan Trampel wrote on Feb 19, 2018:

"Leland was a good man and a good friend. He had a big heart and was always willing to share his love and knowledge of motorcycles with anyone willing to listen. I will miss him terribly and extend my condolences to all others who feel the same way about Leland as I do."