Merlin Dean Matteson

MATTESON, POLK, JEANES, SISSEL, ELLSWORTH, SMITH, WIESE

Posted By: diane beier (email)
Date: 3/25/2016 at 21:50:09

Merlin Dean Matteson, 78, of Independence, Iowa died Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at Allen Memorial Hospital in Waterloo, Iowa.

Merlin was born on December 18, 1936 in Quasqueton, Iowa, the son of Clifford Myron and Florence Lucille (Polk) Matteson. He graduated with the class of 1955 from the Independence High School, and served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1955 thru 1958 serving at Camp Pendleton, Camp LeJeune, and in Okinawa.

On December 10, 1961 he was married to Roberta Ann Jeanes in Mt. Ayr, Iowa. The couple and their two children; Steven Mark Matteson and Susan Renee Matteson made their home in Independence, Iowa where Merlin was employed with Ozzies DX and the local Chevrolet dealership. He owned and operated the Skelly Service & Towing, and Indee Auto Sales in Independence. Later in life worked as a technician with Johnson Appliance Center.

He was a loving husband, a wonderful father, grandfather, son, brother and friend. He loved cars, and the Iowa Hawkeye sport teams. He could fix anything from your earring, car and appliances to remodeling the house. He was an avid fisherman, hunter, camper and gardener, who in later years enjoyed trips to the casinos. He and his wife Ann spent many happy hours at their Fayette County wooded retreat.

Merlin is survived by his wife of 53 years, Ann. Two children; Steven (Kathleen) Matteson, Independence, IA, and Susan (Shane) Sissel, Ladora, IA. Seven grandchildren;Cory Dean Matteson, Paris, Kyrah, and Tieryn Sissel, Jade & Thomas Matteson, and Johnathan Ellsworth, and a brother; Melvin (Kay) Matteson, Winthrop, IA. Brothers & Sisters In-Laws; Gary (Helen) Jeanes, Eagleville, MO, Kenneth (Maurita) Jeanes, Lamoni, IA. A sister-in-law; Donna Jeanes Smith, Des Moines, IA, and a brother-in-law Richard Wiese, Independence, IA, along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister; Marcia Barske Wiese, a brother & sister in-law; Robert & Doris Jeanes, and a brother-in-law Jack Jeanes.

Funeral services will be held at 11 AM Saturday at the Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, Independence, IA with Rev. Mike Nemmers officiating.

Inurnment will be held at a later date in the Rose Hill Cemetery, Lamoni, IA. Friends may call from 6 to 8 PM Friday at the funeral Home.