“Big Al” Matheson, 73, of Fox Lake, Illinois and Grand Rivers, Kentucky, unexpectedly passed away Sunday, November 24, 2024, in Kentucky.  He was born March 2, 1951, in Chicago, to the late Wallace and Phyllis (nee Jacobson) Matheson.

Al grew up in Wonder Lake, Illinois and did custodial work for S.C. Johnson & Son and Baxter Laboratories. He also did concrete work for Batavia Damp Proofing and Eagle Concrete.

Al was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting, fishing, boating, walking, bird watching, and spending time at his home in Kentucky.  He was also an area pool shark, winning many trophies in pool.  Most of all, he loved spending time with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Al was the loving husband and companion of 43 years to Linda (nee Schroeder); dad to son, Aaron Matheson; loving “Dad Al” to daughters Jill (Brian) Berg, Tammy (Erick) Mortensen, and Stephanie (fiancé David Snyder) Brotherton; loving papa to Joshua (Hannah) Gillcrist and Lauryn and Ethan Mortensen; loving great-papa to Olivia and Kane Allan; brother to, Maryellen, Brian, and Mina; brother-in-law to Bill (Joy) Schroeder, Tom (Sue) Schroeder), and Dawn (Bob) Hauser; uncle to nephew and his “go-to-for-anything”, Billy Schroeder, and many other nephews and nieces; and he was a good friend to many.

Al was preceded in death by his parents, Wallace and Phyllis; and father- and mother-in-law, William and Caroline Schroeder.

A memorial visitation will be Saturday, January 4, 2025, from 3 p.m. until a time for sharing memories of Al at 5 p.m., at Hamsher Lakeside Funerals & Cremations, 12 N. Pistakee Lake Rd., Fox Lake.  Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Al’s name to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, appreciated.