Denise Matthes

NORTH ENGLISH -- Denise Marie Matthes, 69, of rural North English, passed away early Monday morning, Nov. 3, at her home after a courageous battle with breast cancer. 

Denise was born May 4, 1956, the oldest child of Dennis and Donna Koch. She grew up on the family farm and graduated from Dike High School, Class of 1974. Denise was an accomplished pianist, attending the prestigious Interlchen in Michigan. She also played oboe and clarinet and was the drum majorette for the Dike High Marching Band. Denise was an excellent athlete in softball and basketball, later playing college basketball at Grand View. She married Mike Matthes in 1980 and the couple was blessed with two sons, Matthew and Michael. After living in Alaska for a time, they returned to their acreage in Iowa in 1985. Denise and Mike enjoyed watching their two boys play college football and go on to coach various Raiders teams. Recently, Denise and Mike love supporting their three grandchildren Ellie, Jenna and Marcus in their various extra-curricular pursuits from 4-H to sporting events. 

Denise’s pride in her Danish heritage brought her to Denmark twice in the last decade visiting her Danish relatives. Always a wonderful daughter and sister, Denise talked to her Dad and siblings almost daily. She also was strongly connected to her nieces and nephews, often sending them cards and notes of encouragement. Denise has been an adamant supporter of the political causes that meant so much to her like education, protecting Iowa farmland, and other environmental concerns. 

Denise is survived by her husband Mike Matthes, her son and daughter-in-law Matthew and Jodi, her son, Michael; her three grandchildren, Ellie, Jenna, and Marcus; her father, Dennis Koch; her sister, Karla Koch (David Towle);  her brother Paul (Lora) Koch; her brother John (Kim) Koch; her many nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews; and her sisters-in-law Maxine (Daryl)  and Mary Lou (Bud)  She was preceded in death by her mother, Donna Mae Koch, her niece Alyson Koch, and her in-laws Marlo and Dorothy Matthes. 

Denise’s memorial service  was held at the First Lutheran Church of Conroy,  2504 175th Street, Marengo, on Tuesday with inurnment immediately following the service.