Steve H Matsen

      Steven Howard Matsen, the son of Eugene "Joe" and Ethel (Anderson) Matsen, was born on June 24, 1949, in Webster City. At the age of 3, his family moved to Newton where Steve would "Forever be a Cardinal''. During high school, Steve was actively involved in swimming, golf, and working his first job at Henry's Hamburgers.  He graduated from Newton High School in 1967.  The following year, he began working at the Maytag Company.  On April 11, 1970, Steve was united in marriage with the love of his life Connie Jones in Newton. On July 11, 1977, they were blessed with a beautiful daughter Mindi Sue. Steve continued his career at the Maytag Company working in Quality Control until his retirement in 2004.  After retirement he enjoyed working at the Wallace Family Funeral Home and Crematory, at Ahrens Manufacturing, and as a photographer for the RJO conventions and events for 17 years. 

      Through the years, Steve was very active in the Newton Community.  He was a member of the Local 997 Union, Masonic Lodge, and the Elks Lodge, He was also a charter member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church and enjoyed working with the Newton Community Theater. Steve assisted at Patty's school of Dance for 22 years recording music, running the dance recitals and performing as a dancing dad. Steve was a well-known umpire for around 20 years.  Working both baseball and softball games from Little League through the College Level.  His passion for golf continued his entire life especially playing in father/daughter golf tournaments with Mindi for many years. Steve loved the Lord and he and Connie were currently attending Cornerstone Bible Fellowship. 

      Steve's favorite times were those that involved his family and friends, including coaching his daughter Mindi in softball and going to all of her activities and events. Steve loved to travel with Connie to visit friends and family and spent 17 years as a host for overseas trips with RJO. Steve enjoyed dancing with his dance partner Connie for over 50 years.   Steve was so proud of his grandsons Evan and Ethan. He enjoyed all of their time together and attending all of their activities. He was their biggest fan! Steve enjoyed spending time with his son-in-law, Kerry. They went to many Cubs baseball games in Chicago, attended NASCAR races and enjoyed many rounds of golf together. Steve and Connie were also foster parents for their nephew Kevin Snow throughout his teenage years and continue to love him like their own son.

      Steve died at the age of 73 on Friday, April 28, 2023 at his home, surrounded by loved ones. He was preceded in death by his parents; a niece and nephew Molly and Geoffrey Braga; parents-in-law, Blaine and Eunice Jones; sisters-in-law Cindy Matsen and Etta Snow; and brother-in-law, Kenny Jones.  

      Steve is survived by his wife, Connie Matsen of Newton; daughter, Mindi (Kerry) Walker of Newton; grandsons, Evan and Ethan Walker; his siblings, Bruce Matsen of Newton and Peggy Braga of Pella; nieces and nephews, Nick Matsen, Emily Braga, Kevin (Mary) Snow, Kendra O'Neal (Tim Adams), Scott (Kris) Jones, Trent (Robin) Jones, and Brandi Boriskey; several great nieces and nephews; two aunts, Virgie Sopeland and Lorene Anderson; his sister-in-law, Sue Jones and many close friends.  Steve is also survived by three exchange students that were like children to him, Carsten Kroeber, Jacob Ligaard, Mareen Schultz and their families and Belgian friend, Wim DeRyck and family.

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