David Lee Mathis died after a yearlong battle with lung cancer.

He was born June 7th 1959, the first of twin boys born to Donald and LulaBelle Mathis in Kankakee, Illinois. David moved to Stone Lake, Wisconsin in the early 80s to begin his career as a chef working at several area restaurants as a chef and/or bartender, he married his wife of almost 27 years Kathy Nickels in September of 1999 and together they owned and operated Trailways Inn restaurant for the next 23 years.

David was a man of many talents and interests. He was a pilot, a scuba diver instructor, an artist, a fisherman and avid reader. He loved boxing and took over and ran the Hayward Boxing gym for many years before he became a boxing official. He was loved by many friends and family and his smile, laugh and jokes will be greatly missed by all.

He is survived by his wife Kathy Mathis, his mother Lulabelle Janssen, his twin brother Gary Mathis (Mary), sister, Cheryl Sikorski (Steve) and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Mathis; brother, Kevin Mathis; sister, Linda Stahl, and stepfather Ervin Janssen.

A gathering with refreshments will be held on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, from11:00am-1:00pm at the Hayward Funeral Home. As an expression of sympathy, you may wish to consider memorials to Regional Hospice Services and Palliative Care.

Last Update: Aug 05, 2026 9:18 am CDT