Matthew W. Fardal

Matthew W. Fardal was born on September 4, 1927 to Elmer and Effie Fardal on a farm south of Stanhope, Iowa. He attended grade school in a country schoolhouse and graduated from Stanhope High School. Soon after graduation, he found himself in a US Army uniform serving in the Pacific Theater. Following his military service, Matt enrolled at Luther College in Decorah, Iowa where he earned a business degree. As a young man, Matt met Marlene Peterson at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, a small country church near Jewell, Iowa where both families were members. They were married on October 4, 1952 at that same country church. They lived briefly in California before making their home in Des Moines in 1954. Matt worked as an accountant and earned his CPA, and later became a partner at McGladrey and Pullen where he worked until retirement. Matt and Marlene have been active members of St. John’s Lutheran Church in Des Moines for more than 60 years. Matt served on the Church Council, served as the treasurer of the church’s Foundation, and enjoyed working in the hosta garden at St. John’s. For many years, Matt also served as the treasurer of the Lutheran Social Services Board of Directors. Matt’s interests included attending his grandchildren’s activities, Canadian fishing trips with his friends and family, reading, and tending his hosta gardens at home.

Matt passed away Wednesday, January 22, 2020 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife Marlene, son David (Cynthia) of Clive, three grandchildren – Stephanie, Marcus, and Eric, sister Cleetta Schrimper of Annandale, VA, and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Clayton and Dean, and infant sister Enid.

All services will take place on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 600 6th Avenue, Des Moines. Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m., with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place at Resthaven Cemetery, West Des Moines, after the services.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church in loving memory of Matt.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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