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James Matel
JAMES "JIM" FRANCIS MATEL
Cedar Rapids
James "Jim" Francis Matel, 78, of Cedar Rapids, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017, at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Private family graveside: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Jim was born Dec. 12, 1938, to Frank and Irene Matel in Milwaukee, Wis. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1956 and served his country until 1962. Jim was stationed in New York and Korea during that time. One of his recent joys was participating in the Honor Flight to Washington, D.C.
Jim married Patricia Sadowski on Oct. 11, 1958, in Plattsburgh, N.Y. She passed away in 2002. He later met Kathy Wieland and they have spent many happy years together.
After he served in the Air Force, Jim worked and retired from McKesson Drug, working in Milwaukee, Omaha and Cedar Rapids.
Jim was a loyal Green Bay Packers fan, having attended many games at Lambeau Field or cheering from home. He also was an avid golfer, making many good friends on the golf course throughout the years.
He was a good and decent man, a gentleman of the strongest character, who always put others ahead of himself. Jim will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his loving partner, Kathy Wieland; three sons, Frank (Cathy) Matel, Paul (Liz) Matel and Mark Matel; daughter, Jacquelyn Ellison; four grandchildren, Samantha Brown, Holly Matel, Matthew Matel and Rachel Matel; best friend and buddy, Keith Post; Kathy's children, Amy (Brad) Parkel, Caulden Parken and Kipp (Lisa) Wieland; several nieces and nephews; and special friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife; parents; brother, Robert; and two sisters, Pat Ruh and Jean Rappl.
Special gratitude goes to the staff at the VA hospital in Iowa City and the hospice house in Hiawatha.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in memory of Jim.
Online condolences may be directed to the family at www.iowacremation.com under Obituaries.
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