James Alfred Mattke (1933-2007)

MATTKE, POLLOCK

Posted By: Ames Tribune
Date: 9/6/2007 at 07:04:01

THE AMES TRIBUNE, Ames, Story County, Iowa, Wednesday, September 5, 2007.

March 31, 1933-Aug. 27, 2007

James Alfred Mattke, 74, of Nevada, died Monday, Aug. 27, at University of Iowa Hospital and Medical Center due to a tragic complication from knee replacement surgery. Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 9, at Memorial Lutheran Church in Nevada.

Jim Mattke was born March 31, 1933, in Waverly, to Erwalt and Theresa Mattke. He graduated from Waverly High School in 1951, graduated with a bachelor's degree from Wartburg College in 1955, and a master's degree from Drake University in 1969.While at Wartburg, he met his future wife in the band. He married Mary Louise Pollock June 26, 1955, in Akron.

Not long after, he was drafted by the Selective Service and was sent to Fort Chaffee, Ark., Fort Dix, N.J., and was then stationed in Wiesbaden, Germany. Mary Lou moved to Germany in 1956 and their first daughter, Ruth Ann, was born there in 1957.

Upon his discharge from the Army and returning to the United States, he found a teaching position in the Nevada school system in 1957. He taught in Nevada his entire career of 35 years. In addition to his role as a business educator, he was also a coach and athletic director. Jim coached ninth grade football from 1957 to 1961 and was assistant boys basketball coach from 1957 to 1967. He assumed the duties of athletic director in 1966, a position he held for 21 years.

He was extremely active in community and school organizations. He was a charter member of the Iowa High School Athletic Director's Association. He was elected in 1993 to the Iowa High School Athletic Director's Hall of Fame, which was his first year of eligibility. He also was elected to the Nevada High School Hall of Fame in 2002 for his contributions to athletics in Nevada. He was a charter member of the Kiwanis Club of Nevada, in which he recently received recognition as a Legion of Honor member by serving the organization for 30 years.

He also was a member of the Nevada Parks and Recreation Board and served as chairperson. He was a member of the Nevada Athletic Booster Club, Leadership Nevada, the Nevada Community Band and the Memorial Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Nevada Community Education Association, where he served as treasurer. He also served on the curriculum and wellness committees for the Nevada schools. He enjoyed serving Meals on Wheels to the community.

From an early age, he was fascinated by airplanes. He always enjoyed building and flying his radio-controlled model airplanes. He was a member of the Central Iowa Aero Modeler Club. He loved meeting his buddies at the "flying field." His other favorite hobby was collecting antiques and enjoyed refinishing antique furniture with his father.

Even in retirement, he was still active in the Nevada schools. He was the first to be called as a substitute teacher and everyone in the community with kids in sports has seen him "running the clock." He loved traveling to Colorado and hiking in the Rocky Mountains. He was enthusiastic about talking to people and educating them about Rocky Mountain National Park.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou; three daughters, Ruth, Rebecca and Jean; two grandchildren, Keaton and Emma; as well as his many dear friends throughout the country.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one half-brother; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association or Kiwanis Club of Nevada.

Bacon Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of arrangements.

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