Kenneth Brian Matthiesen

Kenneth “Ken” Brian Matthiesen was born on January 30, 1950, in Waterloo, the son of William and Imogen (Sutherland) Matthiesen.  Ken grew up in Dysart and graduated from Dysart High School in 1968.  He then attended the United Electronics Institute in Des Moines.  Ken serviced his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.  He worked as a communications officer with the State Department for nearly 4 decades.  He worked with numerous secretaries of state and traveled to many countries throughout the world.  On September 25, 2011, Ken was united in marriage to Susan Hiser.  She preceded him in death.  He was a very private man and enjoyed his solitude.  Ken died at the age of 73 on September 24, 2023, at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home.  He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; and 2 brothers, James in infancy and Richard.  Ken is survived by lifelong friends, Lynn Miller, John and Donna Pittenger, and Jim and June Pittenger.  The funeral will be on Friday, September 29, 2023, at 11:00 AM, at Overton Funeral Home in Dysart, with the visitation for an hour prior to the service.  The burial will follow at Dysart Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Dysart American Legion.  In lieu of flowers, please direct memorials to Cedar Valley Hospice.