Lee Leonard Mathieu

Lee Mathieu was born and raised in Kankakee, IL where he had many adventures on the Kankakee River be it by the water’s edge, canoeing, trekking through snow, ice skating or competitive water skiing. He attended Augustana College in Rock Island, IL earning a degree in business and went on to pursue multiple business endeavors including retail, corporate and management positions, franchise ownership and self-employment. During college, Lee met his wife of 48 years then started a family in Woodridge, IL. A few years later, they moved to Pinckney, MI on the Chain of Lakes where they pursued sailing, skiing, and fishing for 10 years and where they completed their family. From there, they moved to Naperville, IL until 2019, retiring to Knoxville, TN to pursue further cancer treatment and to re-engage his favorite pastimes on the water where he continued slalom skiing, even at 70. In retirement, Lee enjoyed playing and boating with his 3 grandchildren and traveling. The family would like to thank the St. Albert community that welcomed Lee and Claudette when they moved to Knoxville. Preceded in death by his parents Leonard Mathieu and Nathalie Conrad (Mueller). Lee is survived by his wife Claudette (DeLafontaine); daughters, Emily Wendt and Laura Reyes; grandchildren, Cordelia, Oliver, and Jasper; and brother, David Langlois. "True love stories never have endings" - Richard Bach A receiving of friends will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 at Saint Albert the Great Catholic Church from 10:00am-11:00am, with a service immediately following officiated by Monsignor Pat Garrity. Interment will occur at a later date at Mount Calvary Cemetery in Kankakee, IL. For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to the life of Lee Mathieu, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society (https://www.cancer.org/involved/donate/memorial-giving.html) Online condolences can be made to the family at www.mynattfh.com