In loving memory of

Carl Mathews
July 19, 1961 - May 12, 2020

Carl Rice Mathews, 58, died from a severe infection on May 12, 2020 in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was born in Princeton, N.J. on July 26, 1961. He attended public schools in Ames, IA and served in the U.S. Navy. During his high school years, he began to work in restaurants in Ames.

Carl loved the art and skill of cooking and wore many chef hats in his twenty-five-year culinary journey in the Iowa City and Minneapolis-Saint Paul areas. He took great pride in his ability to serve both small parties and large weddings. He made many friends along the way and loved reading, live music, and ice hockey. He is survived by his parents Jerold C. and Eleanor R. Mathews, his brother Nels H. Mathews, his uncles John E. Mathews and Michael G. Mathews, and two cousins and their families.

A graveside memorial service will be held on May 30 at 1:30 pm in the Ames Municipal Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Regions Hospital Foundation, 640 Jackson St., St. Paul MN 55101.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremation.com

Tributes

John Petersen wrote on Nov 18, 2020:

"My deepest condolences to Carl's family. I will most definitely miss all the "Carl" sightings I had through out my life. No matter what state I was in I would always see Carl, it was awesome. My last Carl sighting was in Minneapolis. Working away I happened to look out my window and low and behold Carl was walking by ,turned his head and waived at me like it was no big deal...... I was like wholly crap its Carl! Carl was a great guy and I'll always have such fond memories of him and what a chef too! John Petersen"

Janna Lohmolder Klein wrote on May 30, 2020:

"I have many good memories of Carl and his boisterous ways, but also of his kindness and consideration. I don?t know why, but this particular gesture of his has stuck with me for more than 30 years now: I was taking off my sweatshirt at a Sundogs show (at Dugan?s Deli, in the summertime, so it was pretty warm!) and as I lifted the shirt over my head I felt someone holding onto to the t-shirt underneath, keeping it from riding up in what would have been an embarrassing fashion. It was Carl, doing me a solid, holding my t-shirt down, like the friend and gentleman he was. It was such a small thing, but as I wrote - I?ve carried it with me for 30 years and it?s popped into my head almost every time I?m in danger of an accidental flashing incident. I told my daughter about it when I got the news that Carl was sick, and she?s told me that now she?ll always remember it, too. It?s the smallest things sometimes, that keep us in others? memories. Bless you, Carl, you?ll always be a good soul! Janna Lohmolder "

Pamela Ballard wrote on May 29, 2020:

"Carl's legacy is profound friendship. How fortunate we are to have known his honest heart and straightforward ways.You could always trust that he would be your "brother" no matter what. Carl was always in the midst during the best of times and also the bellwether for many an adventure. His love for his parents, hard work ethic, independence and self made persona made him truly one of a kind. Like ingredients of a secret recipe, the elusive qualities that made him so remarkable are a rare combination indeed.We shall all savor and remember the zest the brought to our lives.My deepest sympathy to his beloved parents, and family . Pamela(McArthur ) Ballard"

Tony Madson wrote on May 29, 2020:

"As you said, Peggy!!! Carl... Carl... Carl .... from the many whom shall miss you! Tony"

Brian Stoll wrote on May 28, 2020:

"Carl was a member of our Class of ?80 & though we weren?t close friends, I remember him as everything Peg described - Just a great, welcoming ?Kid? - We were all ?Kids? waaay back then & he was a very worthwhile one to have known! ... My sincere condolences to his family & may the fond memories ease the sorrow of his loss. - Brian S. Stoll AHS Class of ?80"

Peggy (Bigelow) Whiting wrote on May 28, 2020:

"This is the saddest, hardest loss. Of a man who new how to be the truest friend, who shared and taught us all about humility, depth of friendship and loyalty, kindness and compassion, strength and conviction and acceptance of all people in all the ways we can be. He lived fully, unabashedly and had such a welcoming grace. I loved being in your company. I loved you Carl Schmarl. We all loved you and looked forward to each easy time spent together. I was lucky to have shared countless times together since 1988 in Ames and later in Boulder and everywhere else. My favorite was any porch, just talking and laughing. Anticipating being near you made me smile filled with this kind of Joy that only you brought with you. It was an honor to be your friend. My heart breaks, and I keep saying Carl Carl Carl, which was our magical chant for you to show up. You always did. He was the C to my P. Til we meet again dear friend. With lots of love to his Mom and Dad and brother and condolences to his many, many friends. "P" Peggy (Bigelow) Whiting "

Tom pace wrote on May 28, 2020:

"Carl had a special smile and a glint in his eye-One of the kindest people I ever met- He will be missed my condolences to his family and friends Tom Pace Iowa City Iowa"