Walter “Walt” Mathys, 86, of Darlington, WI, passed away on Monday, November 24, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. He was born on August 21, 1939, in Argyle, Wisconsin, the son of Alfred and Josephine (Kippel) Mathys. Walt was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Marian Mathys; his brother, Alfred Jr. and one brother-in-law: Donald Moe.

Walt married the love of his life, Marian, on October 29, 1966, at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. They were blessed with four children: Renita (Dave) Domek of Lakewood Ranch, FL; Mike (Marilyn) Mathys of Darlington; Roger Mathys of Darlington; and Linnette Mathys of Chicago, IL.

Walt is survived by his special friend, Judy Riley; two sisters, Helen Moe and Mary (Roger) Jantz; and two brothers, John (Karen) Mathys and Jim (Judy) Mathys; one sister- in- law: Janet Mathys. He is further survived by his ten grandchildren—Lee Kilcoyne, Shannon (Jeremiah) Hellenbrand, Shaina (Ryan Schryver) Kilcoyne, Mandi (Alex Porter) Kilcoyne, Lance Kilcoyne, Brady (Ashley) Mathys, Shianne (Ryan Taylor) Mathys, Daniel (Courtney Stinnett) Domek, Madelyn Domek, and Emily Domek—as well as ten great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him endless joy.

Walt’s strong work ethic shaped his entire life. After high school, he took a job with Capital Airlines and later relocated to Madison, where he met Marian. After marrying, they moved to Darlington and settled on the family farm to raise their growing family. Walt worked for Storck Tire—eventually owning the business for more than two decades—where he took great pride in serving the community. Farming, however, was always in his blood. He purchased his own farm in 1972 and over the years raised pigs, chickens, turkeys, and dairy cows.

Never afraid of a challenge, Walt became an over-the-road owner-operator, and Marian often joined him on long hauls across the country. In the mid-1990s, he returned to full-time farming and launched a hay brokerage business, sourcing hay from as far away as Canada and Nebraska. He continued to work tirelessly, never allowing illness to slow him down.

Walt lived life fully and passionately. He took great delight in driving his Redeye Hellcat and spent countless hours in the fields on his beloved Allis Chalmers and International tractors. He loved snowmobiling, boating on the Mississippi, and cheering on NASCAR. He treasured travel—meeting extended family during a memorable 2011 trip to Switzerland; enjoying vacations to St. Louis with family and to Hawaii and Cancun with Marian; and taking two road trips to Alaska with Judy. Walt and Judy shared a special, lifelong friendship. Both having grown up in the Darlington area, they shared a love of farming and spent much of their time ranger riding through the countryside and visiting friends and family along the way.

A man of deep faith, Walt was a longtime member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church in rural Blanchardville.

Walt will be remembered for his determination, generosity, humor, and the deep love he held for his family and friends. His legacy lives on in all who were fortunate to know him.

A Funeral Mass will be held, Friday, December 5, 2025 at 11:00am at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church with Father William Vernon Officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday December 5, 2025 from 9:00am until the time of service at the church. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in Argyle. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.ericksonfuneralhome.com. The Erickson Funeral Home in Darlington is assisting the family.

Walter Mathys

August 21, 1939 - November 24, 2025

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