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In Loving Memory of
Fern D. Mateer

Fern D. Mateer, age 94, of Glen Carbon, Illinois, passed away on January 15, 2025. She was born on August 24, 1930 as a daughter to the late Charles & Adah (Letson) Hood, of St. Louis, Mo. She grew up in Troy, IL, graduated from Triad High School, and was married to Cleve (Mike) Mateer on January 22, 1950 at the Presbyterian Church in Troy, IL.

She raised four children and supported the family by working at the Troy Security Bank. Subsequently, she co-managed the Mateer Funeral Home with her husband, Cleve. She was a charter member of the Goshen Preservation Alliance and a member of the SIUE Community Choir. She was always in demand as a vocal soloist (a very beautiful voice) and sang at many weddings, funerals and other events. 

Fern was a lifelong member and former board member of the First Baptist Church in Edwardsville, IL, where she participated in choir activities and taught Sunday school for many years.

Fern is survived by her children: Judy Emmer of Washington, MO, James/Jody Mateer of Delafield, WI, and Michael Mateer of Edwardsville, IL.

Fern is survived by nine grandchildren: Jennifer/Dave Winholt, Minda Emmer, Ryan Emmer, Amy/Tom Noascono, Sarah/Jeff Watkins, Kristen/Rick Vesbach, Shannon/Brad Sebion, Sean/Abigail Mateer, and Shae Mateer. She is also survived by 17 great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband Cleve (10-8-2008), her daughter Jane Lane (11-3-2000, wife of Dale Lane), and Gus Emmer (9-6-2022, husband of Judy). She was the last survivor of her immediate family preceded by two sisters, Audrey and Evelyn as well as her five brothers Benjamin, Charles, Leonard, Alexander, and Milton. 

Visitation: First Baptist Church in Edwardsville, IL. January 25, 2025 10am to 11am and funeral to follow at 11am. Burial: Sunset Hill Memorial Estates in Glen Carbon, IL (no graveside service). Memorials will be directed to the First Baptist Church or Shriners Hospital for Children.

She was beloved by her family and friends, will be remembered for her kindness, positive and supportive personality, and for her diligence and devotion to Christ. Fern D. Mateer will be profoundly missed by all, and never forgotten.

Service provided by Saksa Mateer

Thomas Saksa Funeral Home 2205 Pontoon Rd Granite City IL 62040  618-876-4321
Saksa Mateer Funeral Home  210 N. Kansas Edwardsville IL 62025  618-656-7577

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