Phil Mattheis Obituary

John Philip Mattheis, known throughout life as Phil, was called to his heavenly home March 28th, 2023. Phil died peacefully in the company of his loving wife and children.

Phil was born April 8th, 1939 in Cumberland, Iowa. He was raised on a traditional Iowa family farm where he learned the values of an honest dayʼs work and responsibility, traits he carried with him throughout life. He graduated from Cumberland High School in 1957. After a short stint at Northwest Missouri State, he moved to Des Moines and got an associate’s degree in business. He remained in Des Moines and worked the rest of his life in the insurance industry, mostly as a claims adjuster. To help make ends meet, Phil held numerous side jobs as a young man: he managed a laundromat, roofed houses, worked evenings/weekends in retail sales, etc.

Phil married Marian Hall from Wiota Iowa in 1961. He remained lovingly married to Marian the rest of his life. Many will tell you Phil and Marian appeared to have the “perfect marriage.” They raised two children, a daughter and son. Fatherhood became his life focus; Phil loved his kids deeply. Later he became a proud grandpa - a new focus that brought him great joy.

A man committed to his Christian faith, Phil was a devoted member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church and supporter of Mount Olive School where his children attended K through 8. He was an elder, usher, and served on various boards and committees. He helped with maintenance and would be the first to step up for volunteer workdays.

Most would describe Phil as a kind, gentle soul. He was known for his slow, deliberate speech and dry, often self-deprecating sense of humor. He had many friends. He did not know an enemy. Phil enjoyed simple pleasures in life: riding his Honda 360 motorcycle in the country, drinking coffee with his brother, playing cards with family and friends, hiking and biking. He helped coach his daughter in softball and played untold hours of ping pong with his son. As a grandfather, he traveled to numerous sporting events, performances and various church and school programs. He was blessed to be able to travel quite extensively, including several international trips and winters in Arizona.

Although he spent his adult life in Des Moines, he remained a country boy at heart. He enjoyed helping his brother and father-in-law at harvest time and with various other farming activities. Mowing weeds on his Oliver tractor at the old homestead was his idea of a relaxing weekend getaway.

Phil was preceded in death by his parents Lulu and John, sister Darlene (Emert) Euken and brother Claire (Shirley) Mattheis. He is survived by his wife Marian, daughter Pam (Larry) Higgins, son John (Shayna); Grandchildren Nicole and Justin Higgins, Carter and Philip Mattheis.

The family wishes to express our deepest thanks for the overwhelming support and love of our friends and family. Your visits, your hugs, your kind words and prayers have helped us along this journey.

For those unable to attend in person, the service will be live-streamed at the following link.

https://www.youtube.com/@molcsdsm7359

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