Matthew Frickenstein
March 10, 2020
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Service Details
Matthew Brian Frickenstein, 44, passed away Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Saint Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO. A private family service will take place on Saturday, March 14. Hamilton’s Funeral Home is handling the arrangements. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date at Hyperion Field Club in Johnston, IA.
Matt was born May 29, 1975, in Aurora, IL, to Steven and Terri (Willgeroth) Frickenstein. He attended St. Charles High School in St. Charles, IL, where he excelled in football and track. He went on to attend Iowa State University (ISU) and was a member of Delta Upsilon fraternity. While attending ISU, he met Sonya Polking in December 1995. They were married July 10, 1999, in Ames, IA. They started their married life in Kansas City where there daughter Kayla was born, completing their family of three.
Matt spent most of his career at Wells Fargo in various operations and risk management roles. Matt was able to achieve a good work-life balance. This allowed time to be Kayla’s biggest fan, coaching her and many others along the way in both basketball and soccer. He was also a past board member for the Johnston Basketball Club and Hyperion Field Club.
Matt was a lifelong Packers and Cubs fan. He was an amazing cook and an avid golfer (just one club purchase away from being amazing at golf), spending many a weekend honing his craft with family and friends. He had a terrific sense of humor, was a gifted storyteller, gave a spot-on Cartman impression, and was always up for one more. More than anything else, he was a devoted husband, doting father, and loyal friend to many.
Matt is survived by his wife of more than 20 years Sonya and daughter Kayla of Johnston, IA; parents Steve and Terri Frickenstein of Maple Valley, WA; brothers Joel (Leah) and Jeff (Caitlin) of Bellevue, WA; in-laws Thomas and Karen Polking of West Des Moines, IA; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Glen and Tara Meier of Ankeny, IA, Bryce and Krista Christensen of West Des Moines, IA, and Tom and Laura Jackovin of Clive, IA. Also left to cherish Matt’s memory are 12 nieces and nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, many friends, and neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his uncle Terry Frickenstein and grandparents Mildred and Vernon Frickenstein and George and Dorothy Willgeroth.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Kayla Frickenstein Scholarship Fund at Great Western Bank, 10101 University Ave., Clive, IA 50325.
Sue Ammons
03/20/2020
It's taken me a while to find the right words to say. I worked for Matt for going on 2 years and he was the best boss I've ever had. He challenged me to improve myself and was never harsh when things were going sideways. We went through a lot together as our group developed and evolved, and bonded over the challenges we both faced at work. He was a great friend and manager and an even better dad. He kept me updated with Kayla's accomplishments on and off the basketball court and it was clear that she was his pride and joy. I recently accepted a new job and my only hold-back about leaving was that I would be leaving Matt's team. He helped me with my decision from start to finish, just as he did from the very beginning of my time on his team. I am a better person for knowing him and I will miss him greatly.
Eddie Rhodes
03/19/2020
Matt and I worked together for multiple years in different capacities and he was always one of my favorite people to work with. From February to October we talked Cubs baseball everyday at work, whether a few minutes or much longer and I knew like we both looked forward to those talks. He also checked in on me from time to time to see how I was, I valued that as not many people take the time to ask. No matter what we were discussing, the conversations always found it's way to talking about Sonja and Kayla and how he wanted the best for her in his subject of choice. I always thought that if I could care and have the pride for my children the way that Matt does for his... then they would turn out alright. I am very sorry for your loss.
Mal McCauley
03/15/2020
Matt was one of the best managers I ever had at WF but more importantly, he became a dear friend.
We talked sports longer than we should have at work as well as Glory Days about our own sports legacies. I have never met a prouder Dad - I have never met Kayla but I known about every single accomplishment she has had, sports and school.
I already miss Matt and am sending all my prayers to his entire family.
Linda Redfern
03/15/2020
My sympathies to you and your daughter, Sonya.
Carole and Roger Custer
03/14/2020
We are thinking of the whole Polking family today as you have your private service to honor Matt and his life. We are so sorry for your loss.
Nate and Heidi Pearson
03/14/2020
We have wonderful memories of Matt and Sonja from Iowa State. Nate remembers Matt being a very well-liked, jovial, friendly fraternity brother at Delta Upsilon. Sonja, you have always been a sweet and smiling ray of light. Were so thankful you have such a close and loving family to support you through this. Many prayers and much love.
Jennifer Perry
03/14/2020
I was lucky enough to work with Matt at Wells Fargo and have him become a friend. Our girls played for the same soccer club and we shared a love for Iowa State. Ill miss our conversations about sports, parenting a teenage girl, and how proud he was of Kayla. He truly was a great guy and will be missed. Condolences to his family and friends.
Rob Reinert
03/13/2020
Matt was my best friend in high school. We did everything together. Everything.
We would rotate every other day who drive to school (one of our brothers rode in the trunk more than once ??) But after 2 years he picked me up and he had glasses on. I said when did you get glasses. Yesterday he said. I said how have you been driving if you couldnt see the street lights? He said I just waited for the red blur to change to a green blur??. Its a sad day he will be missed
Paige Tucker
03/13/2020
Matt has been my manager at Wells Fargo for the past 2.5 years. He was a wonderful person with a huge heart. We could chat about almost anything, but especially liked talking about sports. He loved sharing about Kaylas basketball and other activities and he was so proud of her. Im so grateful to have known and worked for Matt. Your family will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Allie Stubbs
03/13/2020
Matt introduced himself to me in October, when I interviewed with him for a new position at Wells Fargo. He provided me with support in my new role and I enjoyed working with and getting to know him. Even though I knew him only for a short time, he had a positive impact on me. He put his family first and was a great manager. My condolences to his family and friends.
Stephanie Santi
03/13/2020
Matt and I worked together at Wells. Over the last few months he oversaw the project we were on and I got the pleasure of getting to know him much more on a personal level. It was very evident that he loved his wife dearly and was very proud of Kayla. We talked a lot of basketball. He was a respected manager and friend. He will be missed greatly. Praying for the entire family for comfort and peace during this very difficult time.
James Kramer
03/13/2020
Matt was my work BFF. He was a great friend, a very respected co-worker in the work place, was very smart, was a family guy, had an awesome sense of humor, always cared for others and my heart is broken. I will miss you buddy. I'll miss our lunches, meat-smoking discussions, ISU sport discussions, and listening to you brag about Kayla and how talented she was in sports. :)
Thank you for your friendship. Blessings to the Frickenstein family.
John and Jane Rowland
03/13/2020
Our thoughts have been with you during Matt's illness. May the concern and sympathy of those who care help you through this difficult time. Sending our love and prayers from Jefferson to both Sonya and Kayla and the rest of Matt's family.
Chris Schelling
03/12/2020
Matt was one of my first close friends, nearly forty years ago. It's difficult to understand how such a big personality, so full of life, is gone so suddenly. My deepest condolences.
John & Maureen Mitchell
03/12/2020
We are friends and former neighbors of Laura and Tom and had briefly met Sonja and Matt a few times. We are so sorry to hear of your loss and we are praying for all of you.