It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jeff Mathre, a cherished husband, father, grandfather, and community servant, who peacefully went home to be with his LORD and savior on September 21, 2026, surrounded by the family and friends he held dear.

Born on September 22, 1952, in El Paso, Texas, Jeff's life was filled with love, service, and laughter. Jeff was the beloved son of Lowell and Uvanna Mathre, and brother to Greg Mathre and Karla Maurer. He was preceded in death by his dear mother Van, in-laws Bob and Doris Stevenson, his brother-in-law Cas Ries, and aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is survived by his devoted wife of 53 years, Patsy, and their loving family: son Nels and Kristi (Holman), daughters Kari and Eric (Friestad), and Emma and Eric (Smith). His legacy continues through his 13 cherished grandchildren: Owen, Henry, Harrison, and Penelope Mathre; Kjersten, Clay, Gwen, Brock, Sonja, and Bryce Friestad; and Eva, Evan, and Elsie Smith, along with Greg and Gina (Giannotti), and Karla and Scott (Maurer) as well as numerous other family members and friends.

Jeff's journey through life was marked by a commitment to education and service. After graduating from Newark High School, he pursued further studies at a computer tech school in Minneapolis and acquired numerous fire certifications, reflecting his passion for learning and teaching. His career spanned decades at Caterpillar on the assembly line until his retirement in 2006. After retirement, he enjoyed helping out local farmers during harvest and driving for the elevator. However his true vocation was in service to others, particularly as a mentor to young fire fighters in the cadet program. Jeff was certified in Firefighter III, Fire Apparatus Engineer, Fire Service Instructor II, Fire Officer I, and Technical Rescue Awareness. He was an active member of the Newark Fire Department since high school, serving as Assistant Chief in 1978 and later as Chief for 15 years. His commitment to the community of Newark was unparalleled, earning him the affectionate nicknames "Sunshine" and "Big Daddy."

A man of many talents and interests, Jeff found joy in fishing, camping, archery, target shooting, as well as deer and bird watching. He had a passion for woodworking and train displays, and he delighted in sharing these hobbies with his grandchildren. One of his hobbies he enjoyed most was being a boyscout from 1964 - 1990. He was highly acclaimed and decorated throughout his boyscout career, enjoying it so much that Jeff became the leader of Troop 42. Jeff's unique way of expressing himself was legendary - a tapestry of humor and colorful language.

Jeff's community involvement extended beyond the fire department; he was Big Grove Road Commissioner and a dedicated member of several boards, including Fern Dell, Township, and the Sanitary District board. His commitment to Newark was evident in his efforts to honor and remember those who served, as he took great care in decorating the local cemeteries on Memorial Day and Labor Day and commemorating September 11th.

Throughout his life, Jeff was a quiet man of faith, baptized at Millington Methodist Church and attending Newark Lutheran Church and West Lisbon Church. The Mathre family extends their deepest gratitude to the staff at Rush Copley and Gottlieb Memorial Hospital for their compassionate care and to the Newark Fire Protection District for their assistance with the services.

A visitation service to celebrate Jeff's life will be held from 2:00 - 8:00 PM on September 26, 2026, at the Newark Fire Department, located at 101 E Main Street, with a firefighter walk through at 6:00 PM.

A funeral service will be held at West Lisbon Church, located at 14381 W. Joliet Rd, at 2:00 PM on September 27, 2026. Grave side service at Helmar Cemetery with luncheon to follow at West Lisbon Church Fellowship Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Newark Fire Department or the Fern Dell Historic Association. Jeff will be missed dearly yet fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. His legacy of love, service, and dedication will continue to inspire his family, friends, and the community he cherished so deeply

Services are entrusted to GABEL-DUNN FUNERAL HOME, LTD. 102 S. Johnson St., Newark, IL. For additional information 815/695-5131 or www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com