Vern E. Mathews, 53, of Iron River, passed away Thursday, April 11, 2013, at Northstar Health System, Iron River. He was born August 12, 1959, in Stambaugh, son of Irma (Bonel) Mathews and the late Harry Mathews. Vern attended special education classes in Crystal Falls, graduating in 1974, and was later employed by Trico in Iron Mountain where he worked for 20 years. He was a very happy guy and made friends with everyone he met. Vern loved playing basketball and bocce, enjoyed going to the movies with friends, and fishing and bear hunting with his dad. He will be sadly missed by his family and friends. Vern is survived by his mother, Irma; two sisters, Lisa (Rick) Erickson, Kathy (Jeff) Gossel; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry, in 1997. The visitation will be Tuesday, April 16, 2013, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the First Baptist Church, Iron River. The funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m., Tuesday at the church. Rev. John Fish will officiate. Burial will be in Beechwood Cemetery in the spring. You may light a candle in remembrance of Vern or leave a condolence to his family online at JacobsFuneralHomes.com The family has chosen the Jacobs-Plowe Funeral Home, Crystal Falls, to honor Vern's Legacy of Life.