Eugene Mattern

Eugene “Gene” Mattern, 95, of Aberdeen, S.D., passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, with Fr. Gregory Tschakert officiating.

Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, at Schriver’s Memorial Chapel, followed by a liturgical wake and rosary at 7:00 p.m.

Interment with Military Honors will take place at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, with a luncheon and fellowship to follow at St. Mary’s Parish Hall.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that memorials be given to Aberdeen Catholic Schools, 1400 N. Dakota St., Aberdeen, SD 57401.

Schriver’s Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Ave NW, is honored to serve the Mattern family. Friends and family may sign the online guestbook at www.schrivermemorial.com. Services will be recorded and shared on the funeral home’s Facebook page.

Gene was born in Glencross, SD, to Conrad and Caroline (Welder) Mattern on August 6, 1930. He was raised and attended school in McIntosh, SD, and spent many of his early years working in the family general store. In 1951, Gene enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was a proud veteran and served in Korea as a Sergeant 1st Class directing artillery operations. In 1953, he was honorably discharged and assigned to the Army Reserves until 1959. He was awarded a Bronze Star Medal and received the Ambassador for Peace Medal.

After meeting his future wife, Eileen, at a dance, they were married in August 1953 and lived a happy life for 69 years.

Gene’s 43-year professional career was with the SD Department of Transportation. He held positions in Selby, SD, and Aberdeen, SD, and retired in 1992 as the district engineer.

Volunteering and service to others were important values in his life. He was active as a volunteer fireman, a 50-year member of the American Legion, parish council representative, church lector, member of Knight’s of Columbus, Meals on Wheels volunteer, 22-year volunteer at Avera St. Luke’s Hospital, and was recognized for donating over 20 gallons of blood. The Catholic faith was a central part of his life. Praying the rosary and attending Mass were a part of his daily life.

During his retirement years, he and Eileen enjoyed traveling throughout the country. They especially enjoyed the bus trips, where many new friends were made, and the family cruises.

Gene is survived by his 5 children: James (Lu Ann) Mattern, Mary (Jerry) Sandmeier, Kathy (Jeffrey) Krause, Barb (Rick) Grieben, and Jane (Kurt) Reder; brother, Paul (Loretta) Mattern; sister, Barbara (Ted) Walker; 10 grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren, who brought much joy and happiness to him.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Eileen Mattern; his parents; brothers: Frank, Peter, John, and Bernard; and sisters: Anna, Lena, and Elvina.