Vernon Matsen

Vernon Matsen

Zearing

Vernon C. Matsen, 93, of Nevada, Iowa and formerly of Zearning, Iowa passed away on Sunday, August 18, 2013 at the Nevada Hospital. Visitation will be at Fredregill Funeral Home, in Zearning, Iowa on Saturday, August 24, 2013 from 10:00a.m to 12:00p.m. Funeral services will follow at the Sheffield Cemetery, Rural Story City, Iowa at 1:00p.m.

Vernon Clifton Matsen was born on October 16, 1919 to Walter and Irma (Sheffield) Matsen in Grettenger, Iowa. He attended and graduated from Ames High School in 1937. After school he married the love of his life Roberta (Kautz) Matsen on April 19, 1941 in Lancaster, Missouri. Vernon had several opportunities to go to college on a Track Scholarship. He went to Iowa State for a year and half and then enlisted in the United States Army. He became a first Lieutenant in the Field Artillery Command Unit. Upon his discharge from the Army Vernon farmed on the Matsen family farm, traveled for Dick Sparrows for 15 years, and retired from Fishers (Emersion) after 20 years of work. Vernon's passion for life was his farm and his Belgian Horses. He pulled and drove 8 different teams of Belgian's all over the country. He was inducted into the Iowa State Fair Hall of Fame for the Belgian Horse Pulling Association.

Those left to cherish Vern's loving memories are three children; Cindy (David Huntrods) Corbin, of Collins, Iowa; Kimberly (Jennifer Jacobs) Matsen, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Dale (Pat) Matsen, of Roland, Iowa; 12 grandchildren, Missy, Tanya, Matt, Alicia, Waylon, Jarod, Jake, Samantha, Trey, Aliyah, Matthew and Sami; 8 great-grandchildren, Christopher, Christy, Cindy, Riley, Taylor, Trenton, Austin, and Andrew; and many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Vernon was preceded in death by his parents; wife (Roberta) July 2012, 1 brother (Joe Matsen & wife), 1 sister (Phyllis Smith & Husband), 1 son (Jon) and 1 great-grandson (Darren).

Fredregill Funeral Home in Zearing has been entrusted with the care of Vernon and his family.