Iris F. Sweet-Mateika

Iris F. Sweet-Mateika, 88, of Freeport, passed away Wednesday, December 18, 2012 at FHN Memorial Hospital. Iris was born December 21, 1923 on a farm in Milledgeville, IL. She graduated from Freeport High in 1941. She was the daughter of Dan and Irene Fierheller and has one sibling, Donna 'Rusty' Rose. Iris was first married to Robert Schnierla. Then Glenn Reed. She later married George Sweet November 25, 1953 in Polo. He died in 1988. On May 16, 1992 in Freeport she married Raymond Mateika, who also preceded her in death. Always young at heart and ready to go, Iris was a woman of many talents and passions. Exploring what the world had to offer gave her many wonderful opportunities to travel, learn, and experience life. She was an accomplished artist and decorator, creating many lovely scenes on canvas, as well as a beautiful home. Iris was enthusiastic in everything she pursued: she was a founding member of the Rock River Cat Club; a Beta Sigma Phi Sorority sister with perfect attendance for more than 30 years; studio photographer at Blankenberg Studio; served on the Board at Pinecrest Community Center in Mt. Morris for several years; taught parenting skills with DCFS; was active in the Winneshiek Players, having played the Spirit in 'Blythe Spirit' ; judged FFA summer cat shows, and more. If you knew Iris at all, you knew about her love for animals and that she always had a cat or dog, (or several), to share her home and heart. Iris was a speed reader and loved to play bridge. She was a great cook and was always happy to see family and friends eat what she cooked, particularly her yeast dinner rolls and fresh sweet corn. When she was a young girl on the farm, she rode horses with her cousins, bareback. She and her sister enjoyed speaking double talk just to confuse all those who didn'™t speak it. Iris was a faithful member and pillar of the Freeport Church of the Brethren for 65 years where she led Bible study, directed the choir, was in charge of many church pageants, and with dedication served on many ministries within the church. Iris is survived by son, Michael D. (Paula) Schnierla and daughter, Debbi (George) Reed-Savory. Also surviving are two grandsons, Michael (Stacie) and Jason (fianc