Gerald Andrew Matzen, age 80, died October 5, 2014. A gathering of friends and family will be from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday October 8, 2014 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care, 414 Lincoln Way in Ames, with a celebration of life funeral service at 2:00 p.m. Thursday October 9, 2014 at Grandon Funeral and Cremation Care.

Gerald was born September 28, 1934 in Mason City, Iowa. He was a graduate of Iowa School for the Deaf, where he was very involved in Football, Basketball and Track. He was known as the "Blonde Bomber" for his football moves and was also an All American for 2 consecutive years before his graduation. He was involved in other student activities such as being Class President and Homecoming King.

He married Bobette Gaedke, November 2, 1958. He had worked for the Omaha World Herald as a lanotypist/printer/proof reader, for many years then Wallace Farmer. He eventually moved his family to the Ames area where he retired after 17 years of service from Iowa State University.

Gerald continued his love of sports and was an avid ISU fan. He enjoyed watching sports, doing the Sunday crossword puzzles or discussing world events with anyone. He was a member of Deaf Ministries Lutheran Church here in Ames until his health prevented his attendance.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lawrence Matzen and LaMoyne Stemmerman. He is survived by sons; Timothy Matzen and Curtis Matzen, daughters; Jodi Jones(Ralph), Starlene Matzen, Kelly Freel(Gary) and Connie Davis (Eric), an older brother Tomas Matzen, and sister Barb Shriver. He had 11 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren all of whom he loved spending time with.
Dad we will cherish the memories we have. We love you and miss you.

Online condolences may be directed to www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com