Thomas Victor Matheus

Tom Matheus, 63, passed away peacefully at home on May 4, 2023 in Bozeman, MT surrounded by the love of his wife and son after a prolonged battle with vascular brain disease. 

Thomas Victor Matheus was born on August 21, 1959 to Anne Dowd Matheus and Thomas Marshall Matheus in Los Angeles, CA.  Tom was the fourth of five children; forever cherished by his four sisters.  The family relocated from the San Fernando Valley to Orange County when Tom was five years old.  He attended elementary school in Costa Mesa, CA, showing an early interest in athletic endeavors of all kinds.  His father taught him to sail and waterski at an early age, leading to a lifelong love affair with boats and the water.  During high school, he discovered a passion and talent for tennis, spending countless hours on the courts and developing lifelong friendships.  Also, in those years he began a routine of daily runs and workouts which lead to his enjoyment of running marathons, doing triathlons and participating in cycling races.  He graduated from Mater Di High School in 1978 and received his bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from California State University-Fullerton. 

Following positions in the finance industry, he ultimately joined the FDIC as a bank examiner.  Tom’s FDIC colleagues became dear friends over his 30 years of service.  He commuted routinely to the FDIC Field Office in Orange County.  His work took him away from home and to all areas of the country for weeks at a time.  His favorite assignments were in Hawaii, where he could run, swim, and surf to his heart’s content before and after work.  Despite Tom’s healthy and active lifestyle, we all knew he couldn’t say no to a large nightly bowl of ice cream often shared with family and friends. 

Tom was happiest in his roles as a husband and father.  He was a devoted husband to Mona; their marriage was a true partnership.  Mona and Tom welcomed the arrival of their son, Brad, on New Year’s Eve in 1993.  Brad’s arrival did not change Tom’s daily routines.  The two of them continued the daily runs; Tom pushing Brad in a purple jogging stroller logging thousands of miles and wearing out multiple sets of tires. 

Tom taught Brad the virtues of how to be kind, honest, honorable, hardworking, resourceful, respectful, resilient, and loving by living that example himself.  He shared his job for tennis, sailing, and waterskiing by teaching Brad how to do all three.  Tom was always there for guidance and support, cheering Brad on in whatever the pursuit.

After retirement, Tom and Mona split their time between Coronado and Bozeman, MT, where they quickly integrated into their neighborhood enjoying hiking, biking, snow skiing, Nordic skiing, kayaking, and the beauty of the Montana landscape. 

Tom is preceded in death by his parents, Anne and Tom Matheus; and his brother-in-law Tony Lecher.  He is survived by his wife, Mona, and his son Brad; his sisters Marie Litrich (Bob), Barbara Matheus (Earl Hewes), Joann Lacher, Carol Riserbato (Joe); and many nieces and nephews.

Tom will always be remembered as s generous soul, passionate athlete, loyal friend, beloved brother, devoted father, and the love of Mona’s life.   Rest in Peace, Tom (and save some heavenly ice cream for us)! 

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at 2:30 PM at the Coronado Community Center, Nautilus Room.  Potluck appetizers and desserts.  Casual attire.  Come share a bowl of ice cream in remembrance of Tom. Memorials may be made to a charity of your choice benefitting youth sports programs.

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