Harley D. Mathias

Harley Dwaine Mathias, 75, passed away on January 20, 2017 in his home surrounded by his loving family, after a long battle with cancer. He was born in Stirum, ND on August 4, 1941 to John and Ella (Brockman) Mathias. He attended grade school in Stirum and graduated from high school in Oakes, ND in 1959. He worked at JCPenny in Oakes while in high school, and continued working with JCPenny when he moved to Valley City to attend what is now VCSU. He was united in marriage to Judy Ubben on August 12th, 1962 and to this union was born two daughters. Harley and Judy settled in Valley City where he continued to work at JCPenny until 1967, when he began his career with American Family Insurance, retiring in 2004. In his free time, Harley enjoyed many outdoor activities. Some of these hobbies included fishing, hunting, and gardening; which he liked to do with his grandchildren. Harley was a valued member of many organizations over the years including: Jaycees, Kiwanis, Eagles, Elks, the Shrine Flag Corp, and V-500. Harley was also a huge supporter of both Valley City High School and Valley City State University, always finding time to attend activities at both schools. Harley is survived by his wife, Judy; two daughters: Debbie (Rodd) Svenningsen, Luverne, ND; Vickie (Tom) Gentzkow West Fargo, ND; Five grandchildren: Amy, Jordan, and Austin Svenningsen, Greg (Andrea) and Chelsea Gentzkow; three great grandchildren: Jonah, Kai, and Selah Gentzkow, one sister Bev Benda Oakes, ND and one brother Stan (Angeline) Mathias Casselton, ND and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents John and Ella, and his sister Shirley Bergeman. The funeral service will be 11 am Tuesday, January 24 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, Valley City. Visitation will be 5 pm to 7 pm Monday at the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel, Valley City, with a prayer service at 7pm in the chapel. Visitation will continue one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be in Hillside Cemetery, Valley City. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel. An online guestbook for Harley is available at www.oliver-nathanchapel.com

Harley D. Mathias

August 4, 1941 - January 20, 2017