Dixie Lee Mathews

Dixie Lee Mathews attended by family passed away in her apartment on Friday, August 28, 2026, at the age of 86.

Dixie was born Dixie Lee Benson March 22, 1940, in Wright County, Iowa, the daughter of Dale Sr. and Hazel (Arends) Benson. Dixie moved with her family from the “Sperry place” in Wright County to a tenant farm outside of Belmond, Iowa before eventually moving to their own farm outside of Grand Meadow, Minn. in about 1948. In high school Dixie played the tuba, was a delegate to Minnesota Girls State, and worked at Dotzenrod’s Grocery store in Grand Meadow. Dixie graduated from Grand Meadow High School in 1957 before attending Iowa State Teachers College in Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Dixie Lee Benson married Ronald Eugene Mathews on June 11, 1960, in Grand Meadow, Minn. While Ron studied Forestry at the University of Minnesota, Dixie worked as a secretary for the College of Science, Literature, and Arts (SLA) of the University of Minnesota, a secretary for Minnesota Veterinary College small animal clinic, and a secretary for the Minnesota College of Science and Pathology.

Because Ron’s job in the U.S. Forest Service required them to live in various parts of the country, Dixie made her home at; the Ranger Station Poplar Bluff, Mo. (Clark National Forest), the Ranger Station Centerville, Mo. (Clark N.F.), Manistee MI (Manistee N.F.), Laconia N.H. (White Mountain N.F.), the Ranger Station Winona, Mo (Mark Twain N.F.), and Rhinelander (Nicolet N.F.).

While raising her family, Dixie also worked outside the home in roles such as Cub Scout Den Mother, Substitute teacher, Shannon County 4-H leader, Sunday School teacher, Children’s Choir leader. Her sons remember Dixie as a fantastic cook; their favorite recipes made by Dixie include; walleye amandine, German chocolate cake, waffles, cream puffs, and cherry pie (awarded a Blue Ribbon by Rhinelander Daily News).

After her sons left home, Dixie continued to contribute to local organizations as; Oneida County Campfire secretary, Camp Birch Rock board member, treasurer of the Town of Pelican, Adult Bible study leader, Pulpit Relief for the First United Methodist Church, Rhinelander Personal Essential Pantry (PEP) worker and board chairperson, Oneida County 4-H Fair art assistant and judge.

Dixie loved to spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and she continued to enjoy bicycling with them into her early 80’s. She also enjoyed playing golf, and painting; both Rosemaling (Norwegian folk-art painting) and painting scenes of birds, flowers, and animals.

Dixie is survived by her two sons, Monte (April) of Kirksville, Mo. and Marty (Kelly) of Rhinelander, and 12 grandchildren; Melinda, Denise, Marty Jr., Katie, Mark, Seth, Brett, Kent, Sean, Neil, Kirk, and Lauren, 19 great-grandchildren, and her sister; Val Jean Thorsen of Grand Meadow.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband; Ronald E. Mathews on June 3, 2013, and her brothers; Dale Jr., Max, Rex, Reggie, and Duane.

The visitation for Dixie will be held on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at the First United Methodist Church of Rhinelander located at 724 Arbutus Street, from 10 a.m. until the 11 a.m. Memorial Service. Rev. Mike Zahn will officiate.

The Committal Service will be held on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, at 10 a.m. at the Northwoods National Cemetery located at 4520 Lakewood Road Harshaw.

The funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Hildebrand Funeral Home & Cremation Specialists, 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin, 54501, 715-365-4343. Everyone is invited to leave an online condolence at www.hildebrandrussfh.com.