Matter, Carol Jean (Simonson) -- 1924 - 1995

MATTER, SIMONSON, BENDER, WIEDIMER

Posted By: Bill Waters (email)
Date: 1/9/2012 at 15:39:16

Carol Jean Matter was the beloved wife of Leonard Matter, mother of John, Michael and Susan and grandmother of Erica and Jennifer.

Carol was born in Rio, Wisconsin August 25, 1924 to Oscar and Bessie Simonson. She was baptized and confirmed in the Name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Her mother, Bessie was an accomplished musician and loved dearly by her daughter. Her father, Oscar was employed by the railroad and moved his family first to Illinois and eventually to Calmar, Iowa where Carol attended Calmar High School, graduating with the class of 1942.

Carol and Leonard Matter were married on February 17, 1942, in Oelwein, Iowa, while Leonard was in officer's training with the Army Air Corps. During World War II, Carol waited at home while Leonard flew numerous bombing missions. Her most difficult times were to first hear that Leonard was missing in action and later that he was held in a German POW prison.

Upon her husband's liberation and return home, they began a family. Their first child John was born in 1946, followed by Michael in 1950 and Susan in 1956. In 1952, Carol and Leonard moved their family to his family home, spending most of their married lives operating Matter's Ballroom. The years passed swiftly as Carol enjoyed her family, working, playing cards and in later years, bowling. Her husband Leonard died January 16, 1993.

When Carol was first diagnosed with lung cancer in November of 1993, her outlook remained positive and she was able to initially win the struggle with the support of her family and friends. When the cancer returned in April of 1995, once again her family was by her side and helped her in her struggle to battle the disease that had again returned. Carol faced this final stage of her life with great bravery. Her spirit and faith never wavered. Throughout her illness she remained at home in the company of her family.
When death took her on September 17, 1995, at the age of 71, she passed peacefully and surrounded by loved ones.We will miss you mother, grandmother and friend.

Survivors include two sons, John and his wife Suzanne, of Decorah: Iowa, Michael of Minneapolis, Minnesota; one daughter, Susan of Minneapolis, Minnesota; two granddaughters, Erica Matter Bender and her husband, Eric of La Crescent, Minnesota, Jennifer Matter of St. Paul, Minnesota; and one sister, Joyce Wiedimer of Clinton, Wisconsin.

Carol was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband Leonard.

Blessed be her memory.

Source: Funeral Home bulletin.

Submitted By: John Matter jmatter@q.com

Second Obit:

Carol Matter, 71, died Sunday, Sept. 17, 1995, in her home of cancer. Services: 11 a.m. Wednesday, Decorah Lutheran Church. Burial: St. John's Lutheran Cemetery, Locust. Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at French & Balik Funeral Home and after 10 a.m. Wednesday at the church.

Survivors include two sons, John of Decorah and Michael of Minneapolis; a daughter, Susan of Minneapolis; and a sister, Joyce Weidimer of Clinton, Wis.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette, Monday, September 18, 1995, Page 2b, Col. one

Locust Cemetery aka Saint John
 

Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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