Clifford “Cliff” L. Mathews, Sr.

Clifford Lee Mathews, Sr., passed away Friday, April 8, 2022, at Black River Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Cliff was born May 6, 1955, to Roy and Shirley (Zimmerman) Mathews in Black River Falls, Wisconsin. After Cliff graduated from Black River Falls High School, he met his wife in Beloit, Wisconsin. Clifford married Paulette Martin, the love of his life, August 24, 1974. They moved back to his hometown after his father died in 1980 to take care of his mom. Throughout his life he worked various jobs, including Robert’s Cranberry Marsh, Millis Transfer, and Hoffman Construction.

Cliff started his own landscaping business, working in the dirt which always brought tears to his wife because he could work like a machine with his eyes closed. Cliff retired a couple times but found he was happiest when he was busy working, so he came out of retirement every time and most recently was working at Taylor Frac as an excavator. He always said he wanted to win the lottery to teach kids how to excavate. Anybody who knew Cliff knew he never asked anything from anyone. He was a generous man who was always the first to drop anything to help anyone.

He was the jack-of-all-trades, whether it was building a house, wiring a basement, or repairing a car. Cliff was well known for his mechanical expertise and had a passion for restoring classic vehicles. He always kept his family on their toes when it came to getting new vehicles and it was anyone’s guess what would be sitting in the driveway. He spent countless hours in his shop working up a beer thirst, listening to country music. Cliff had many hobbies throughout the years, including shooting trap, hunting, riding harley, demoing cars, snowmobiling, playing poker, and restoring vintage vehicles. He will always be remembered for his kindness, values and work ethic which he instilled upon his family.

Cliff leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Paulette Mathews; his children: Clifford Mathews Jr. (Tarah) of Black River Falls, WI, Christopher Mathews of Black River Falls, WI, Cynthia Mathews (Tom Cooper) of Black River Falls, WI, Timothy Mathews (Kasey McClannahan) of Apple Valley, MN. He raised his granddaughter Keisha Mathews of Black River Falls like his own child and leaves behind his grandchildren: Madalyn Coplien, Hailey Millis, Elizabeth and Alex Mathews. Cliff was blessed with a great grandchild, Johnathon Mathews. He also leaves behind a sister, Barbara Ann (Gary) Hoyer; and his beloved dogs, Meggie and Charley; as well as countless friends and loved ones. 

Cliff was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Shirley (Zimmerman) Mathews; brother, Randy Mathews; and close friend, Larry “Ace” Johnson.

Cliff was a selfless man and donated his eyes to two people. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society.

Services will be held at a later date.

Torgerson Funeral Home has been entrusted with the final arrangements.