o do it. Rather it was a horse no one could ride or a building that couldn't be moved Wilbur did it. As the years passed the neighbors would bring their broken machinery to Wilbur for repairs. The business was steady enough he left Vermeer and started his own welding shop at his home. The love he had for horses led him to build a stagecoach which carried Wilbur, Janet, and the grandkids through the eighties hitting every parade along the way. In 1994 Wilbur began collecting western saddles. Wilbur loved all saddles from slick forks to high backs he would find the perfect spot to display them. As the collection grew so did his reputation. He became an expert on the various makers from the 1800's to present day. He loved to share them with anyone including Mrs. Galeazzie's kindergarten classes. Wilbur said trying to beat cancer at 84 was like riding a horse that never stopped bucking. The more you spur that horse the harder she kicks. On February 16th, 2014 Wilbur stepped off the horse and tipped his hat to the pearly gates. Wilbur was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Alice, brother Arend, sister Junella, and daughter Jill. Those left to cherish his memory are wife Janet, brother Gerald (Carol) Mathes of Melcher-Dallas, brother-in-law Bill Fee of Melcher-Dallas, son Barry (Cathy) Mathes of Pennsylvania, son Wesly (Julie) Mathes of Madrid, Iowa, Janet's children, Arend Gene (Pam) Mathes of Melcher-Dallas , Don (Glenda) Mathes of western Iowa, Charlotte (Lyndon) Schrader of Columbia, Iowa and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, February 22, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Melcher-Dallas. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will take place at Dallas Cemetery at a later date. Memorials may be given to the family.