Matthew Allison

Matthew Douglas Allison, 51, of Ankeny, IA died on May 22, 2020, at the MercyOne Hospice House in Johnston, Iowa following a fierce 14-month battle with metastatic colon cancer. Matt was born to Mike and Mary Ellen Allison on October 16, 1968. He grew up with four brothers – Jon, Tim, Pat and Chris – in Rockford, IA and often spoke of how he had the "perfect childhood" playing outside, riding bikes and making mischief with his brothers and their friends. Matt graduated from Iowa State University and earned his law degree from the University of Iowa. He spent most of his career at Nationwide Insurance in Des Moines where he was loved and respected by many colleagues. We thank Matt's friends at Nationwide for their support throughout his battle with cancer. Matt embodied the best of what it meant to be a family man, deeply devoted to his wife Kristi and their three children Max, Evy and Anna. Matt simply loved being a dad. Matt had a quiet presence and a witty sense of humor. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye football fan and season ticket holder. He loved sailing and being on the water at Clear Lake. Matt was a member of Our Lady's Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny. His faith carried him during his cancer battle. Thank you to Father Michael and Sister Susan for their love and assistance. Thank you to Matt's surgical oncologist Dr. Jan Franko, oncologist Dr. Christian Schultheis and the dozens of nurses and medical professionals who tirelessly fought his cancer alongside him. Thank you to the palliative care team and the Johnston Hospice House for their loving care as Matt transitioned from this earth. Matt is survived by his wife Kristi, children Max, Evy and Anna, mother Mary Ellen, brothers Jon (Karen), Tim (Gerri), Pat (Sheila) and Chris (Kristy), and many nieces, nephews and extended family. Matt's father Mike preceded him in death and met Matt at the gates of heaven. A public visitation will be Tuesday, May 26, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home. A prayer service will follow the visitation at 7 p.m. The funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, May 27, at Ankeny Memorial Funeral Home. Due to COVID requirements, the prayer service and funeral Mass will be private. The funeral Mass will be live streamed on the Memorial Services of Iowa Facebook page. Please see instructions on how to view below. Memorial contributions may be made to Kristi Allison to support Max, Evy and Anna's future educations. To view the live stream on Facebook on Wednesday: 1. Follow this link to the Memorial Services of Iowa page or copy/paste the address into your internet browser: https://www.facebook.com/Memorial-Services-of-Iowa-1634608780157244/ 2. 'Like' the page. (by doing this you will be able to see on your newsfeed when the livestream starts). 3. On Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. go to the Memorial Services page to view.