Obituary: Eric Earl Matthiesen

July 2, 1944 ~ April 17, 2023

Eric Earl Matthiesen, 78, of Ellenton, Florida and Fish Creek, Wisconsin, died peacefully at home on Monday, April 17, 2023.

He was born July 2, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, son of the late Earl Walter and Marion Barbara (Hand) Matthiesen. Eric graduated from Main Township East High School with the Class of 1962. He graduated from the University of Evansville with his Bachelor of Science degree in Business in 1966 and then from the University of Michigan with his Master of Arts degree in Speech Communication in 1969 and Doctorate of Philosophy degree in Communication Studies in 1976. Eric worked as a communications professor at Creighton University for 26 years until his retirement in 2002. Eric and Linda Lou Nice were united in marriage on August 14, 1966, in Speedway, Indiana. He enjoyed woodworking, traveling, photography, and time spent with family and friends enjoying Door County.

Eric will be missed by his loving wife of 56 years, Linda; children, Keriann Pierce and James Matthiesen; siblings, David (Astrid Pedersen) Matthiesen and Christine Pearson; and nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Kevin Pearson; and sister-in-law, Donna King Matthiesen.

Eric will be laid to rest in Blossomberg Cemetery in Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek during a private committal service.

Eric wrote the following note to family and close friends: “In case I die before I can say goodbye, I want you to know that I’ve lived a full and good life. I have immense gratitude for the happiness you brought me during my time here. I have learned that life doesn’t have to be perfect to still be amazing. Please don’t despair over my death. While I might not have been ready to leave, I was glad to have lived and to have gone through life with you. I will be watching over you always.  Until we are reunited, I wish you full and happy days, spent loving and encouraging those closest to you – for in the end, that’s what matters most.”

Eric’s family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Gary Scharrig for all his attention and care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in his name to Holt International or Greater Minneapolis Crisis Nursery.

Huehns Funeral Home of Sturgeon Bay is assisting the family. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Eric may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.