Obituary of Edwin Orton Matthes

Ed Matthes, 83, of Boise Idaho passed away from natural causes while holding his daughter’s hand November 30, 2023, at Cornerstone Memory Care in Boise. Ed described himself as, “Husband, father, fly-fisherman and dentist in that order”. He was born in 1940 in Riverside, California to Steve and Vera Matthes.

Ed often spoke about his unique childhood in Paso Robles, California especially his adventures with his dad a famous hounds-man, mountain lion hunter, and author of the book Brave.

Ed and his dad hunted mountain lions all over the state of California as well as spent summers hunting jaguars in the jungles of Mexico and Belize. Ed learned how to speak Spanish on these adventures, honed his outdoor skills and assisted his dad run a professional hunting guide business.

As a child, Ed had a pet mountain lion (his dad rescued) named Tommy. Tommy was a big house cat and was fully integrated into their household for over 7 years.  Ed took great care of Tommy, and they were a big hit around town especially when his dad would take Tommy for rides in the car or in the back of his pick-up truck.

While in high school Ed, 16, met the love of his life Juanita Wilson, 14, and continued a storybook romance for 9 years throughout college, and dental school and were married for 55 years after that. Ed attended Fresno State and received a degree in Zoology. While applying to USC Dental School and receiving an in-person interview Ed’s car broke down and he was forced to hitch-hike riding in the back of a pickup truck filled with hay while wearing his only suit. Ed eventually made it to his interview super late but was successfully admitted to USC Dental School.

In 1965, Ed and Juanita married while completing his last year of dental school and the two soon began their married life in a small humble apartment above a garage in Southern California. In 1966, they moved to Fortuna, California opening a dental practice. Juanita soon gave birth to a handsome son Mark Matthes and a beautiful, devoted daughter Holly Matthes Guadagno.

In 1972, Ed and Juanita relocated the family to Boise, Idaho where Ed continued a long successful career as a Dentist, TMJ Specialist and Author. Dr. Matthes went on to publish several books as well as being the keynote speaker at many dental conferences across the US.

Ed retired from Dentistry in 1999, and began the next phase of his life with his wife and loved ones. 

Ed and Juanita enjoyed traveling throughout the US as well as Japan, China, England, Isle of Madeira, Spain, and Italy. Ed loved taking camping trips near lakes where he could fly fish in his float tube for the entire day.  Ed was a lifelong fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman and passed this love on to his children, son-in-law, and grandchildren.  

Ed was a devoted and proud grandfather of 4, he attended countless football, basketball, and lacrosse games, he loved seeing his grandchildren and being part of their lives. Ed was famous for hosting numerous holidays and events for his family, especially Thanksgiving, Christmas, and 4th of July barbecues. He was the ultimate grill master and entertainer!

Ed and Juanita attended St. Michael’s Episcopal Church for 15 years as well as Tree City Church in Boise for the past 30 years where he was involved in many church groups, activities, and volunteered on Sundays as a Greeter. Ed was a faithful Christian who loved the Lord!

Ed was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Matthes (2020). He is survived by his son, Mark and his wife Jenny of St. Charles, Illinois; daughter, Holly and her husband Steven of Meridian, Idaho, and their 4 children: Jason, Luke, Kyle, and Gia.

Our family would like to thank the amazing team and group of caregivers at Cornerstone Memory Care for treating Ed with the utmost respect, care, and dignity.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on December 16^th at Tree City Church located at 3852 N Eagle Rd, Boise, ID 83713.

 Our family is very appreciative of all the support we have received, and we will miss Ed immensely!