grave import

Obituary

Robert C. Matsch, 88, a native of Burlington, Iowa peacefully passed away at his home surrounded by family and caregivers on June 3, 2013, after an extended illness.
Bob was born on September 24, 1924, the third of four sons to William and Emma (Wiedemeyer) Matsch. On September 2, 1989, he married Margaret Canella.
Bob was a graduate of Burlington High School and attended one year at Burlington Community College (now Southeastern Community College) before being drafted into the U.S. Army. He was in military intelligence and Japanese language studies at the University of Michigan and the University of Chicago during World War II. After being discharged, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in commerce from the University of Iowa and became a Certified Public Accountant.
He first worked for the public accounting firm of Wolf & Co. of Des Moines. When he returned to Burlington, he was employed as a business manager for Dane D. Morgan & Associates for 20 years. Bob then joined the staff of First National Bank in 1970 as Assistant Trust Officer. In 1972 he was promoted to vice President and Trust Officer and in 1977 was appointed to the Board of Directors. In 1983 Bob was promoted to Senior Vice President and Trust Officer, a title he held until he retired as a bank officer in 1989. He served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Firstar Bank and retired as a Board Director in 1995, although he still had an office in the bank (now US Bank) for many years.
Bob has served his community well with his special blend of kindness, personal trustworthiness, community awareness, and financial and business expertise. He was a life-long member of Bethany Lutheran Church and served on many church committees. He gave countless hours to charitable and civic organizations including the Burlington Area Arts Guild, Burlington Area Arts Council, Aspen Grove Cemetery Association, Rotary, the Special Needs Foundation, Southeast Iowa Symphony Board of Directors, the Des Moines County Historical Society, the Chamber of Commerce, Young House, City of Burlington Planning Commission, the Burlington Library Board and Burlington/West Burlington Area United Way. He served as trustee of the John H. Witte, Jr. Foundation for many years. In addition, Bob gave over 30 years of continuous service as a board member and committee member of the Burlington Medical Center/Great River Health Systems and Medical Center. This commitment was honored in 2006 and it was recognized that the results of his leadership, financial acumen and vision are most evident in the development of facilities, medical staff, programs and services. Bob was a member of Flint Hills Club and the Burlington Golf Club.
He was humble in his service to his community but felt honored to receive the Mississippi Valley Council Boy Scouts of America 1999 Distinguished Citizen award. Also in 2003 Bob and his brothers Charles and Richard received the Distinguished Alumni Award at Southeastern Community College. This led to the establishment of the Matsch Brothers Scholarship which provides at least one annual scholarship to an academic achiever showing an interest in business or accounting and who is enrolling at Southeastern Community College's West Burlington campus.
Bob was a truly gentle man who loved his God, his family and friends and his community. He always put others first. For years he took great care of his mother and father in the family home and he lovingly spoiled his nieces and nephews and their families. This handsome man of excellent posture that would be seen walking down the streets of Burlington during the week could be found on a Saturday working with his brother Charley on a project on their small family farm south of town. This was a retreat for him. He enjoyed sailing, biking and walking. Bob also had a great appreciation of art. He collected many pieces over the years and especially treasured Japanese prints he found when he travelled to Japan.
Bob was devoted to his dear Marg and they enjoyed life to the utmost. Although they travelled often, they were always happiest in the company of their friends and family in their beloved Burlington.
In addition to his wife Margaret, he is survived by two brothers, William (Peggy) Matsch and Richard (Lib) Matsch; a brother-in-law, Richard Canella; nieces and nephews: Ronna (Bob) Cline, Sandy Miller, Bill (Kristina) Matsch, Kathryn (John) Daley, Molly (Mark) Briggs, Dan (Carol) Matsch, and Marti (Andy Dieringer) Matsch; 11 great nieces and nephews and 7 great, great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Marie Matsch; two sisters-in-law, Susan Matsch and Kathy Canella; a brother-in-law, Father Joseph Canella; and two nieces, Betsy Matsch and Anne Matis.
Marg and the family wish to thank Dr. JoEllen Hoth and the wonderfully loving caregivers of Advanced Home Health Care and Great River Hospice for their tender care of Bob. They also appreciate the many visits of good friends.
In celebration of Bob's life, a service with military rites will be held at 11 am Thursday at Bethany Lutheran Church with Rev. Rick Biedermann officiating. Burial will be in Aspen Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service.
The family requests that memorials be directed to Bethany Lutheran Church and the Matsch Brothers Scholarship of the SCC Foundation. Lunning Chapel in Burlington is in charge of the arrangements.