Charles P. Mathes, 88

Charles P. Mathes went home to his heavenly father on Aug. 19, 2011. He was born in Union City, N.J., on Aug. 25, 1922.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Sandra, and five children, Steven of Spirit Lake, Susanne Newland of Columbus, Ind., Terry Peters of Anacordes, Wash., Mary Sweeney of Rathdrum and Shawn Mathes of Post Falls.

Preceding him in death was his wife, Bridget, of 56 years and two sisters and a brother.

He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; and his two best friends, Mikki and Geraldine, his dog and cat. 

Charlie served in the U.S. Navy for four years. He survived the sinking of two ships and witnessed the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima and the signing of the Document of Surrender in Tokyo Bay. He worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs for more than 25 years. He was a negotiator for the U.S. Government at Wounded Knee. He worked for the BIA in Washington, Alaska, Oklahoma and Idaho. In retirement he worked for St. Pius X Church of which he was a member for 20 plus years. He was an avid outdoorsman. He will be missed by all who shared his stories and laughter.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, 2011, at Yates Funeral Home, Coeur d’Alene Chapel. Funeral Mass will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011, at St. Pius X Catholic Church with burial to follow at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery where military honors will be held. Please visit Charlie’s memorial and sign his online guest book atwww.yatesfuneralhomes.com.