Obituaries
Jane K. Matteson
February 18, 1930 - November 6, 2023


- Celebration of Life
- January 13, 2024 | 11:00 A.M.
-
Wesley Methodist Church
14 North May Street
Aurora, Illinois
Jane Knapp Matteson, longtime resident of Aurora, peacefully passed away on Monday, November 6th leaving behind cherished memories and a legacy of love. She was born February 18th, 1930 in Rochester, NY, to Ormrod and Anna Mary (Streb) Knapp. Jane was the middle child of “the 5 J’s”, Jack, Joanne (Cryer), Janice (Mont) and Jay Knapp.
She was the beloved wife of Guy Raymond (Ray) Matteson for 47 years, whom she married on June 24th, 1949 at Wesley Methodist Church in Aurora. Jane was the loving mother of Laurie (Jon) Walrack, Gary (Donna) Matteson, Steve (MaDonna) Matteson and Mike (Ruth) Matteson.
Jane grew up in Aurora, attending the public schools and graduating from West Aurora High School in 1947. She was involved in many activities through the school years, from playing basketball to writing for the school newspaper. In her senior year at West High she was voted Homecoming Queen 1946 and Prom Queen 1947!
Upon graduating high school, she began working in a local office for Lumberman’s Insurance. Eventually she stepped away from that work in order to stay home and raise her children. In 1964, she returned to work with Lumberman’s, ultimately becoming Head Claims Manager for Kemper Insurance in Long Grove, IL.
Jane had a zest for life that was always accompanied by a smile. She was selfless with her time, always going the extra mile to encourage someone, or to lean in and volunteer. She was Den Mother to many Cub Scouts, and was involved with Brownies and Girls Scouts. She was an avid and proud parent at whatever sports, or band event was taking place. Particularly animated during wrestling matches. Jane was one of the founding members of West High’s Blackhawk Boosters. She enjoyed many camping vacations with her family, exploring much of the continental United States. She and Ray continued to travel even more, globally, as the kids were grown.
Retiring in 1990, Jane and Ray became “snowbirds,” dividing their time between Medford, WI and Deltona, FL homes.
In retirement there was no let up. Jane was always up for an adventure. She took up golfing at age 60 and joined leagues in Florida and Wisconsin, and made even more friends. She was an avid walker doing daily walks with friends in Deltona, always with a joke to tell. Jane was a proficient card and letter writer, always reaching out to others to stay in touch and light up their day. She continued to travel extensively throughout retirement, even after Ray’s passing in 1997.
Jane loved her family, and spending time with them. She enjoyed playing cards, and sports with her Grandchildren. She wouldn’t let them win, she also liked to compete. If by chance, they did win, Jane was gracious and equally thrilled for the victor. She enjoyed celebrating family events, and was a fixture on the dance floor at many a grandchild’s wedding. Jane brought out the joy in whomever she interacted with. She was fearless, up for a challenge, and most willing to try a new adventure. At age 80 she didn’t think twice about ziplining through the trees in Mexico. She was full of life.
She is survived by 10 grandchildren: Jamie (Sarah) Walrack, Jessica (Brian) Hegg, Geoffrey (Cassie) Matteson, Catherine Matteson, Anthony Matteson, Simon (Kelsilyn) Matteson, Asenath (Jeffrey) Jex, Talia (Brady) Pehrson, Eilish (Zach) Matteson Browning, and Philip Matteson.
She had 13 great-grandchildren: Mason Walrack, Caleb Walrack, Jakob Hegg-Wangall, Hailynn Hegg, Harrison Hegg, Gregory Matteson, Joshua Matteson, Hazel Jex, Daniel Jex, Adeline Jex, William Jack Pehrson, Jane Pehrson, and Lily Matteson, with 2 more due in 2024.
A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, January 13th – 11 am – at Wesley Methodist Church – 14 N May St, Aurora, IL. Come and tell your favorite Jane Matteson story!
Arrangements entrusted to Yurs Funeral Home – www.yurs funeralhomes.com
Phone 630-584-0060
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jane’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Jane will be deeply missed by her family, friends and all those whose lives she touched with her kindness and dedication. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew her.
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