Melvin Leo Matt

Melvin Leo Matt, age 85, of Des Moines, formerly of Garnavillo IA, died Friday, June 17, 2016, at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines, IA. He was born on July 25, 1930 on the Matt family farm near St. Olaf to Leo and Rose Matt. Melvin attended grade school at St. Josephs Catholic School in Garnavillo and then attended and graduated from the Monona Public High School in 1948. After high school, Melvin served his country proudly with the United States Air Force 55th Strategic Recon Squadron from 1951 till he received his honorable discharge in 1955. On November 23, 1957, Melvin was united in marriage with Ruby Barron at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Oklahoma City, OK. Melvin was a lifelong devoted Catholic and a member of the St. Olaf American Legion Post #0388 and the Knights of Columbus in the Garnavillo/Elkader division. Mel loved gardening and his many quiet hours on his tractor working his farmland. He was a military history buff and had fond memories of his time in the Air Force and his Harley Davidson motorcycle rides. His friends and family recall his gentle kindness, patience and humor. Melvin will be forever loved and cherished by his six children, Barbara (Paul) Baeuchle of Lawrence, KS, Ed (Jackie) Matt of West Des Moines, IA, Elaine (Brad) Schaffner of Northfield, MN, Denise (Michael) Nash of Indianapolis, IN, Dan Matt of Wichita Falls, TX & Sharon (Chris) Matt Atkins of Metuchen, NJ; nine grandchildren and two great grandchildren and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, much loved wife Ruby; two brothers, Father Irwin Matt & Harold Matt; sister, Evelyn Stubbe and twin sister Mildred Sprunck. In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Lung Association in Melvin's memory. Service Information Visitation Wednesday June 22, 2016 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home and Crematory Services 001 South Industrial Park Rd Garnavillo, IA 52049-0035 Visitation Thursday June 23, 2016 8:00 AM to 8:50 AM St. Joseph Catholic Church 204 W. Oak Garnavillo, IA 52049 Funeral Mass Thursday June 23, 2016 9:00 AM St. Joseph Catholic Church 204 W. Oak Garnavillo, IA 52049 Interment following funeral service St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery 250th St Garnavillo, IA 52049