Lloyd "Lonnie" George Matthess

Lloyd “Lonnie” George Matthess, 66, of Marion, IA, lost his battle with pancreatic cancer on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 while at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House in Hiawatha, IA. 
A Visitation will be held at Fry Funeral Home, Tipton from 4pm – 7pm on Monday, July 31, 2023. On Tuesday, August 1, 2023, a funeral service, officiated by Father James Flattery, will start at 11:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Tipton and be immediately followed by a luncheon at St. Mary’s Hall. At the completion of the luncheon, Lonnie will be taken to the Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Oxford, IA, where he will be laid to rest with military honors. Family asks that cards and memorials be mailed to 427 Fifth Ave., Marion, IA 52302. Online condolences may be shared at www.fryfuneralhome.com

Lonnie, son of George “Bud” Washington Park and Dorothy Cecelia (Cox) Matthess was born on Thursday, March 28, 1957 in Iowa City, IA, and from a young age, Lonnie was raised by his other father, Maynard Orville Matthess. He graduated with Tipton High School’s Class of 1975. On August 29, 1975, Lonnie joined the United States Marine Corp and served his country until August 28, 1981. Lonnie first married Caroline Joann Johnson while on leave in December 1975, and he later married Rhonda Sue Peterson. Both marriages ended in divorce, but from these relationships, Lonnie was blessed with four sons. 
While in the Marines, Lonnie received the Rifle Expert Badge for his platoon, four times in a row and the Pistol Sharp Shooter Badge. He was also named Marine of the Month, Marine of the Quarter and Marine of the Year at McAllister Naval Ammunition Depot. After his enlistment, Lonnie began working for the Iron Workers Local 89 out of Cedar Rapids. In this role, he helped with the construction of the Five Seasons Center (now Alliant Energy Power House) in downtown Cedar Rapids. He was then a successful and well-loved auto salesman for many years until an on-the-job auto accident caused him to seek different employment. He later owned and operated The Steel Wheel Lounge in Tipton for many years. He then decided to return to the construction field starting with the Carpenters Local 1260 out of Iowa City and then the Carpenters Local 308 out of Cedar Rapids, helping in many projects including the University of Iowa Eye Clinic. In 2019, Lonnie started the Patriot Construction Co., LLC and worked the business with his sons, Zack and Eli until his death. Lonnie was a beloved member of Tipton’s Class of 1975. He cherished the moments spent with his classmates over the years and never missed a class reunion. 
Lonnie is survived by his sons, Josh Matthess of Cedar Rapids, IA, Ben (Nichol) Matthess of Palo, IA, Zack (Courtney Summers) Matthess of Marion, IA, and Eli (Olivia Antonelli) Matthess of Marion, IA; sisters, Elizabeth Webb of St. Louis, MO and Mary Matthess of Marion, IA; brothers, Barry Matthess of Marion, IA, Paul (Linda) Matthess of Marengo, IA, Ron (Teralyn) Matthess of Tipton, IA, and Don (Mary) Matthess of West Branch, IA; and grandchildren, Garrett, Austin, Evan, Jenna, and Jackson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Patricia Isaacs; and brothers, Joseph Matthess and Michael Matthess and his stepson, Tyler Ryan Peterson. 

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