Mildred Mattheis

Mildred Dawn Mattheis, 99, of Norwalk, Iowa passed away on October 7, 2026. 

Services for Mildred will take place at Sunset Memorial Chapel, 7601 Fleur Drive, Des Moines, IA 50321, on Monday, October 12, with Visitation starting at 10AM followed by a funeral service at 11AM.  Following the service, Mildred will be laid to rest at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Mildred was born in Indiana on September 28, 1927, to William Custard and Myrtle Alvey Custard.  In her early years, the family moved to Colorado and eventually settled in Buffalo Center, IA, where she grew up on her family’s farm and graduated from Buffalo Center High School. 

After high school, Mildred moved to Waverly, IA, to work for the railroad.  While in Waverly, Mildred met Harvey Fuller.  They married in 1945 and were blessed with two sons, Ronald Fuller and James Fuller. The family eventually moved to the southside of Des Moines, IA. Harvey passed away in October of 1978.

Mildred worked at Look Magazine and retired from the USDA, poultry division, in 1990.

Mildred met Duane Mattheis and the two were married in 1985.  They enjoyed traveling to places like Paris, Niagara Falls, Mexico, Hawaii, and England.  Mildred and Duane enjoyed companionship until his passing in 2005.

Mildred lived in her southside home for over 60 years.  She also enjoyed traveling to casinos with her sister, Ruth, and visiting family.

In 2021, Mildred moved to Norwalk, where Kathy Fuller took loving care of her until she passed.

Mildred is survived by her son, Ronald Fuller; daughter-in-law, Kathy Fuller; granddaughter, Julie Bates (Michael); grandson, Jeff Fuller (La); granddaughter, Christine Maske (Jeremy); granddaughter, Sarah Schabilion (John); granddaughter, Cynthia Fuller; twenty great-grandchildren; and many others who are left to celebrate her memory.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; her husbands; her son, James Fuller; her sisters, Ruth, Arlene, and Lael; and brothers, Keith and Kenneth.

The family expresses thanks for your prayers, your love, and your support in celebrating Mildred's life.