LTC (Ret) Richard (Dick) W. Mattes, PE, age 89, of Tulsa, Oklahoma, passed away on Sunday, October 19, 2025. Dick was born on February 3, 1936, in Racine, Wisconsin, to Victor and LaVerne Mattes.

He attended St. Catherine's High School in Racine and went on to earn a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Marquette University, followed by a master's degree in Nuclear Engineering from Iowa State University.

Dick was commissioned in the United States Army Corps of Engineers in 1958, proudly serving until his retirement in 1981. His military career included tours in Korea, the Panama Canal Zone, two tours in Vietnam, and several stateside assignments before concluding his service as Deputy District Engineer of the Tulsa District.

Following his military career, Dick worked with the Public Service Company of Oklahoma, Mansur, Daubert and Williams, and the Wilbros Group. He was an active member of the Oklahoma Society of Professional Engineers, serving a term as its President.

In 1959, Dick married his high school sweetheart, Marie (nee Hagner). Together they built a family that includes five children-Vic (Linda), Ann (Thomas), Peter (Melissa), Ellen (Michael), and James (Tiffany) as well as fifteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

Dick was involved in his community, serving for many years with the Tulsa Science Fair, first as a judge and later as Director from 1978 to 2010. He was also active in Boy Scout Troop 916 and as an usher at St. Pius X Catholic Church.

At home, Dick enjoyed woodworking, tinkering around the house, and was a talented photographer, especially capturing meaningful moments of his family. He most enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, who were a joy in his life.

He is also survived by his sister, Kay Ricchio (Bob), and his brother, Bill Mattes (Carol), both of Racine, Wisconsin.

A visitation will start at 11am and the funeral mass at 12 pm, Friday, November 7 both to be held at St Rita's Catholic Church in Racine, WI. Burial will be at the Southern Wisconsin Veteran's Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Archdiocese for Military Services https://donate.milarch.org/page/82467/donate/1/