Martin Louis Matthias age 82 of rural Readlyn passed away at his home, Sunday, November 7, 2021. He was born May 12, 1939 in Waterloo the son of Arnold and Dora (Eickelberg) Matthias. Martin grew up in rural Denver and graduated from the Denver Community School. He then enrolled at Wartburg College in Waverly where he received his teaching degree. After college Martin proudly served his country in United States Army. While in the Army he met the love of his life, Sandy Michelson. They were married on February 10, 1963 at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Fairbank, Iowa. After returning home from the service he was a Junior High English teacher for the Dunkerton Community School District. Martin was also an auctioneer for a period of time as well as being a lifelong farmer. He was a very active member in his church and served in various positions such as Elder, Deacon and Treasurer. Martin was involved with the Gideon’s by helping to pass out bibles and sharing the gospel. He was a lifelong learner, he loved history, antiques and all kinds of different inventions as well as being an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Martin never met a stranger, he had the ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. Above all he loved the time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. Martin is survived by his wife, Sandy, one son, Jeff (Veronica) Matthias of Olathe, Kansas, two daughters; Kim (Noel) Alcantara of Denver and Candi (Gary) DiLoreto of Redondo Beach, California, 10 grandchildren; Caden, Catelyn, Cali, Kasandra (Rodrigue), Ruby, Alyssa, Mia, Kingston, Sadie and Everly, one brother, Bill (Barb) Matthias, Sandy’s sister Donna and her husband Roger Donaldson, a sister-in-law, Angie Matthias (Dr. Allan) along with many nieces and nephews. Martin was preceded in death by his parents and one brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Allan (Sharon) Matthias.
Funeral Services: 10:00 am Friday, November 12, 2021 at the Crossroads Assembly of God, 3205 Bethel Street, Waterloo, IA
Visitation: 4:00-7:00 pm Thursday, November 11, 2021 at Woods Funeral Home, Fairbank and for one hour before services at the church on Friday.
Interment: Fairbank Cemetery, Fairbank, Iowa.
Memorials: may be directed to the family for later designation.
Condolences for Martin L. Matthias
I am saddened to read this. Please know our thoughts, love & prayers are with you Sandy & family.
May God wrap you in His arms of comfort and give you strength for the difficult days ahead.
Hands down absolutely one of the finest men God ever put on this earth. A friend I will truly miss all the rest of my days on earth. So very many great memories over the last 53 years. So very many fun times and trips together. A new angel in heaven.
Truly a servant of God and the best Uncle ever. We will miss his stories and talks about baseball. We have peace knowing that you are in the arms of Jesus.
He was a wonderful teacher. I loved his class. I remember he would listen to the World Series for baseball on a radio in the fall. My prayers are with his family.
Dear Sandy and Family, I am so sorry to hear about Martin, what a great guy, he always had a smile on his face and one of the kindest souls I have ever met. I am so thankful that I had to the chance to know your whole family. May all your memories give you comfort at this time. Heaven got a beautiful angel. God Bless you all. Sending love and prayers.
A great guy with a beautiful heart. A guy with a beautiful smile all the time never a dull moment. A great talking friend that you could listen. He loves his grand children no matter what. He loves Sandy very much! He loves his children very much! What a great person I will never forget. You will always be in our hearts.
Emmie and Lito
My thoughts and prayers go to Martin,s loving family including Bill. I worked with both of these guys in security at John Deere. Martin was so spiritual and thoughtful. He will be missed here on earth.
I’m sorry to hear of your loss i loved visiting with him.i know the matthiSz
I’m sorry for your loss i always enjoyed his visits i know the whole matthias family i always enjoyed bill id on, I don’t know if sandy remembers me or not but I was in a class behind her in school. My condolences .g
Martin L. Matthias:
I am sad to hear of Martin’s passing. My prayers to all the families during this time for peace and understanding.
I had Mr. Matthias as a teacher growing up in Dunkerton. He was a great teacher who always encouraged me to do my best. He had a unique sense of humor as well. Those years growing up can be difficult. Mr. Matthias made it easier with his smile and kind words.
As I left Dunkerton for college and then lived in many parts of the US, Martin always came back into my life. Over the years as I returned for weddings, funerals, graduations etc. Martin always cared and was thoughtful enough to be there. He was such a comforting presence and always encouraged me. I only wished I had gotten to know him better as our time together was limited. He only wanted to know how I was doing and didn’t talk about himself much. It’s hard to express how much of a loss this is. A kind soul whose reward is in heaven.
I miss you and love you my friend,
Dave Weber
Dunkerton
I thank God for Uncle Martin and having him in my life, God has received another angle. We love and miss you!
Praying for all of my family during this sad time. Uncle Mart was the most honerable and genuine person. He left a huge impact on my life. He would always “crack” my nose as a joke when I was younger and the fun and games turned into memorable conversations and lessons as I got older. The best Great Uncle I could have.
From Pastor Kenny Ohiaeri
Uncle Martin was my first friend in my wife’s family, truly a man of God.
After you met him you knew what he loved most. God, his wife, his children, extended family and friends and the St Louis Cardinals.
I am forever grateful for uncle Martin, his faithfulness to our Lord and savior Jesus Christ, He lived boldly and shared the love of Christ to everyone he met, that Christ be glorified.
I Pray you hear those words Matthew 25:23. Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’
We love you!
I am honored to have been able to call him my Uncle. He was the most loving & caring man. I will miss him dearly. I send love, peace and comfort to my Aunt Sandy, and cousins Kim, Jeff, Candi and thier families.
Sending our sympathy to the family