Obituaries
Harvey Matthiesen
Former Los Gatos resident Harvey F. Matthiesen died of lung disease complications on March 7 in St. Helena, where he had been residing. He was 79.
Born on Dec. 21, 1920, in Davenport, Iowa, Matthiesen served as a chemist for Dupont; did atom-splitting work for the Manhattan Project, and later worked for General Electric and Lockheed, where he negotiated government contracts.
In 1971, Matthiesen, his wife, Ruth, and their two daughters moved to Los Gatos. After retiring from Lockheed, Matthiesen kept busy with various local part-time jobs over the years: making keys and mixing paint at Ace Hardware; serving as a greeter at Whole Foods, and preparing spreads at Noah's Bagels.
In 1997, the couple moved to St. Helena. Among Matthiesen's favorite pastimes was reading. According to his daughter, Jean, her father was known to check out 20 to 30 books at a time from the library, especially on subjects he knew nothing about, which only intrigued him more. He also was known for his wit and wisdom.
Survivors include wife of 56 years, Ruth Matthiesen of St. Helena; daughter, Mary Matthiesen of Mill Valley; daughter, Jean Matthiesen, and her partner, Chris Beattie, of St. Helena; and grandsons Adam and Scott Beattie of St. Helena.
Memorial services have been held. Donations may be made to Hospice of Napa Valley, 3299 Claremont Way, Napa, 94558.
William Reese
William E. Reese of Los Gatos died on March 11, at the age of 81.
Reese was born on June 17, 1918, in Barrington, Ill. During World War II, he served in the U.S. Army. His last profession was that of branch manager for Title Insurance and Trust. He was a member of SIRS and the Presbyterian Church of Los Gatos, was an avid gardener, enjoyed working in his hobby workshop and had a special love for German Shepherds.
Survivors include wife Anne K. Reese of Los Gatos; son Thomas Martin Reese of Hollister; daughter Phoebe Reese Chaney of King City; grandson Derek Reese Olson of King City; step-granddaughter Kimberly Diane Rott of San Jose; and brother Donald F. Reese of Midway, Ark.
Memorial services have been held.
Martha Latta
Martha Wilma "Billie" Latta of San Jose died on March 14, at the age of 86.
Latta was born on Feb. 24, 1914, in Texas. She worked for the old Los Gatos Times newspaper until her retirement, then enjoyed spending time with her family and many friends.
Latta was preceded in death by her husband Woodrow W. "Woody" Latta. Survivors include son Bill Latta; sons and daughters-in-law Earl and Winona Latta, Hal and Sharon Latta and Robert and Cathy Latta; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Memorial services have been held, with interment at Los Gatos Memorial Park. Donations may be made to the Big Sur Health Center in Big Sur; Families & Friends of Violent Crime Victims in Seattle, Wash.; or Open Door Pregnancy Center in Moscow, Idaho.
|
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
