Matus, William John Jr.

William John Matus Jr., 68, of Central City, died Saturday, June 8, 2013, at his home. Funeral Mass: 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 14, at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, Central City, by Father Tony Kruse. A vigil prayer service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Thursday at Murdoch Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Marion, where the family will greet friends from 4 to 7 p.m. Burial: Jordon's Grove Cemetery, Central City.

Survivors include his wife of 48 years, Sheryl; children, William (Stacey) Matus, Robert (Kris) Matus, Jon Matus and Ginni (Marc) Peterson; nine grandchildren, Hope, Sarah, Grace, Aubree (Nic), Shelby, Taylor, Evan, Tora and Carly; three great-grandchildren, Brooklynn, Nevaeh and Klaira; two sisters, Barb (Mike) Driscoll and Karen Schultz; and 12 nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother-in-law, Greg Schultz.

Bill was born June 26, 1944, the son of William Sr. and Ellen (Merklin) Matus in Joplin, Mo. He attended and graduated from St. Patrick's Catholic School in Cedar Rapids and married Sheryl Hanson on Oct. 3, 1964. Bill worked for Otis Elevator from June 1962, until his early retirement on Sept. 30, 2003. He and Sheryl started his dream of farming in 1970 and his family has continued the farm as Bill's health declined.

Bill loved family activities including their summer vacations and holidays. He was a big NASCAR/Earnhardt fan. Bill truly had a gift for mechanics and took on most challenges. He found each child and grandchild truly special and was so proud of his family.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Bill's memory.

Please sign the online guest book for Bill at under obituaries.

Published in The Gazette June 11, 2013.