Fred J. Matthies was born in Walnut, Iowa on October 11, 1921. The second child of John and Hazel Matthies, Fred joined sister Maude at home and was later joined by his sister, Norma Jean. Fred attended Layton Township School through the 8th grade. On September 25, 1942, Fred was inducted into the United States Army. He served proudly in the South Pacific Islands. While serving, Fred married the love of his life, Gertrude Elizabeth Murray on June 7, 1943. To this union four children were born: Stanley, Douglas, Robert and Darla. He proudly served his country through the conclusion of World War II. Upon his discharge, Fred and Gert returned to Walnut, Fred started farming in the vicinity and in 1961 they moved to the home place when he expanded his trucking operation.
Fred was a dedicated employee of the Avoca Auction Company and worked for 42 years. He was known for the saying “give me the alley.” After retiring from farming, trucking and working at the sale barn, Fred could be found bartending at Fred’s in Walnut or at work at Walnut Creek Fertilizer. He continued to work until the age of 87.
Fred was a proud member of the Walnut Legion Post 422, The Walnut Amvets Post, Veterans of Foreign Wars and 40 by 8. He was a charter member of the Walnut Optimist Club.
Fred was a lifelong resident of Walnut. He remained there until his health began to fail. At that time, he moved to assisted living, followed by spending the last few years at Heritage House in Atlantic. In his last few years, he looked forward to his outings and “crop checks” with Corey. These outings always came with a few ice waters on the way.
On Tuesday, January 23, 2024, Fred was welcomed into heaven having attained the age of 102 years, 3 months and 12 days. He was preceded in death by his parents, his loving wife of 78 years, Gertrude on April 14, 2022, his son Stanley, sister and brother-in-law, Maude and Joe Ausdemore, sister and brother-in-law Norma Jean and LaVerne Kozisek, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Mildred and Gerald Martin, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Vernon and Ruth Murray, sister-in-law and brother-in-law Dorothy and Darrell Bauerkemper.
Left to cherish his memory are his children, Doug (Margo) Matthies, their children, Christie, Cathy and Reid, Robert (Verna) Matthies, their children, Corey (Mindi), Julie (Ryan Wheatley), Jill (Ben Cary), and John (Erica), Darla (Sherman) Snyder, their children Erika (Ryan Kirchhoff), Emily (Jesse King), Kelsi (Jay Eden) and Seth, daughter-in-law Sally Matthies and her children Dan (Becky), David and Shelia (Matt Prokupek), 34 great grandchildren and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Funeral Services for will be Saturday, January, 27th at 10:30 AM at the Pauley Jones Funeral Home in Avoca. Family will greet friends Friday, January 26th from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be at the Layton Township Cemetery in Walnut.
