Dorothy Maxine Matthes

Dorothy M. Matthes, 95, of North English, passed from this life on Tuesday, June 28, 2022, at Compass Memorial Hospital in Marengo. The family will greet friends from 1:30 – 2:30 PM, Friday, July 1, 2022, at the Peterseim Funeral Home in Kalona. A private family service will be held at 2:30 PM. Burial will follow at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Joetown, Iowa. A general memorial fund has been established.

Dorothy Maxine (Graper) Matthes was born February 27, 1927, in rural Frytown, the daughter of Richard and Clara (Venzke) Graper. She was the youngest of five children and attended rural country school. On July 12, 1947, she was united in marriage to Marlo Matthes in Iowa City. Together they lived and farmed in Green Valley for almost 70 years. They raised mules and horses which they enjoyed driving through local parades for many years. Dorothy had a love for gardening, animals, hunting, going to the casino, mushroom hunting, and spending time with her family.

Survivors include three children: Michael (Denise) Matthes of North English, Maxine (Daryl) Hervey of Wellman, Mary Lou (Bud) Phillips of Kinross, six grandchildren: Matthew (Jodi) Matthes, Michael Matthes, Heather (Jason) Trimpe, Brian (Amy) Hervey, Seth (Farrah) Phillips, Lee Phillips, and 13 great grandchildren, Ethan, Owen and Cassie Trimpe, Ellie, Jenna, and Marcus Matthes, Abby, Max and Mason McNeely, Ashlynn and Hudson Hervey and Dean and Reggie Phillips.

Preceding Dorothy in death were her parents, her husband Marlo in 2012, two brothers: Leo and Eldon Graper and two sisters: Loretta Semler and Marquerite Eckrich.