Donald Mathe

St. Marys-Donald L. Mathe 82, and Gertrude M. Mathe, 81, both passed away Friday, October 7, 2016 from injuries they received in an auto accident in Texas. Donald was born in Topeka on August 24, 1934. He graduated from Topeka High School and served in the United States Navy. Donald had lived in North East Kansas most all of his life. He was a journeyman electrician working out of IBEW Local No. 226 in Topeka. Donald attended and graduated from the University of Kansas with a degree in History. Gertrude helped him study and took him to class each day as he was legally blind at the time. He later had eye surgery at KU Medical Center and his eyesight was restored. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and the Arab Shrine. On June 5, 1954 he was united in marriage to Gertrude M. Bingenheimer. To this union five children were born, Ronald Mathe, Vassar, Diana Romig, Houston, TX, Mary Wiscott, West Point, VA, Kenneth Mathe, Pratt, Gary Mathe, St. Marys and Mildred "Millie" Hannon, Havlin; 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. Gertrude M. Mathe was born July 22, 1935 at Milwaukee, WI. the daughter of Hugo Harold and Avis Parrham Bingenheimer. She graduated from Riverside High School in Milwaukee. Gertrude had lived in North East Kansas all of her married life. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lewis H. and Robert F. Bingenheimer and a sister Vivian Woodruff. Survivors besides her children include her sister, Lily Bingenheimer, Milwaukee. Memorial services will be at 10:30 A M. Saturday, October 22, 2016 at the St. Marys United Methodist Church. Mr. Mathe's ashes will be scattered at sea. Mrs. Mathe will be inurned in Milwaukee. The family will receive friends from 6:00 until 8:00 P.M. Friday, October 21, 2016 at Piper Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Donald and Gertrude Mathe Memorial Fund or the National Federation of the Blind and sent in care of Piper Funeral Home, 714 Maple St., St. Marys, Kansas 66536. Online condolences may be sent to www.piperfuneralhome.com.