Richard Matter,

Wednesday, May 1, 2019 1:16 pm

Richard Matter, 75, of Frankville, died Monday, April 29, 2019, at the Winneshiek Medical Center in Decorah. Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Thursday, May 2, at the Decorah Lutheran Church, 309 Winnebago Street, Decorah, with Rev. Wayne Ellingson and Rev. James Glesne officiating. Organist was Kathy Murray Soloist was Don DiLaura (“Go rest High on That Mountain”). Hymns were “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.” Remembrances were offered by Lynette Matter and Joshua Rose. “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” was played.
Burial was in the Locust Cemetery, rural Decorah. Visitation was from 3 until 7 p.m. Wednesday, May 1, at the Schluter-Balik Funeral Home, 604 South Ave in Decorah and also after 10 a.m. at the church Thursday morning.

Richard John Matter was born Feb. 14, 1944, to Elmer and Ruth (Blegen) Matter at the Decorah Hospital. He was baptized and confirmed at the Decorah Lutheran Church. He attended the McKay country school for eight years and then Decorah High school, graduating in 1961. He married Lois Palmer March 24, 1966, at the Decorah Lutheran Church and together they had three children: Lincoln, Lance and Lynette. Together they farmed and raised dairy cattle on their farm by Frankville. After retiring from farming, Richard worked at Usgaard and Smith as a part delivery person. He then worked at Walmart in Decorah. Richard loved helping the people around him. Richard was active with the Iowa Holstein Association. He loved talking about his cows to people from across the state and country. He was so proud of his Matter Marcus Magician Mary cow, who was voted All American two year-old and won first place two year-old at three of the four national shows. She was also grand champion at the Winneshiek County fair and district show. Richard also was active in the Decorah Coin club and proud of the fact that he was one of the founding members. He was a big supporter of 4-H and FFA youth. Richard’s hobbies included watching his beloved St. Louis Cardinals and going up north fishing. One of Richards biggest joys was playing Santa Claus at Walmart during Christmas. He also loved telling jokes to people wherever he went.

Richard is survived by his wife, Lois, of 53 years; three children: Lincoln of Postville, Lance (Lori) of Cresco and Lynette (fiancé Joshua Rose) of Postville; grandchildren: Erik, Anna (Savon Love), Leif Matter, Tristan and Kipling Rose; mother-in-law, Viola Palmer, Decorah; sisters-in-law: Mary (Paul) Farley, Waukon, Sharon Hageman, Waukon, Linda (Gerry) Johnson, Decorah; brothers-in-law: Daryl (Dorothy) Palmer, Olympia, Wash., James (Alice) Palmer, Castaila, Kevin (Sharon Phinney) Palmer, Harlan (Diane) Palmer; along with many nieces and nephews.

Richard was preceded in death by his father Elmer (1998) and mother, Ruth (1999); father-in- law, Clair Palmer; brothers-in-law, David Palmer and Roman Hageman.