Richard LaMiere Matousek

SIOUX CITY—Richard “Dick” LaMiere Matousek, 74, of Sioux City passed away at his residence on Monday, October 24, 2011, surrounded by his family, after a battle with cancer.
Services will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the Larkin Chapel, Christy – Smith Funeral Homes with Pastor Gene Stockton of Heartland Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be at a later date. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m.. today, with the family present from 6 to 8 and a prayer service at 7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Richard was born on March 20, 1937, in Ventura, Calif., to Joseph & Inez (Comer) Matousek. He moved to Sioux City as an infant. Later, he spent one year in Phoenix, Ariz. and returned to Sioux City where he had been a resident ever since. He attended and graduated from Central High School, and later attended Morningside College. He went on to attend the Iowa Military Academy where he graduated with honors receiving the Erickson Trophy for distinguished leadership and academic ability. His love of the military and country never waned; he continued to serve his country with pride and retired after 28 years.
On July 1, 1970, he married Charlene Dallen in Sioux City. They raised their two children, Tammy and Troy. He was a hands on father, teaching his children the importance of family and his never failing love for them.
Dick was a special investigator for the Woodbury County Public Defenders office. He later moved to the County Attorneys office. He retired in 2002 but still stayed in private practice.
He was a member of Heartland Baptist Church.
Dick had great respect for rock and rollers, he did all he could to help recognize the musicians of the 1950s and 1960s, who were the backbone of modern rock. He organized events with many of the bands, with proceeds going to various organizations, Hospice of Siouxland being one of his favorites.
His hobbies included volunteering for numerous organizations. He was on the Cone Park Committee, past Monahan Post Legion commander, Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame board member and three time inductee, and Castle on the Hill board,. He was involved in River-Cade, Boy Scouts, Y-Indian guides, Cosmopolitan Club, and most recently recipient of the Iowa Governors Volunteer Award.
He also enjoyed crossword puzzles daily, writing poetry, telling stories to his grandsons, having tea parties with his granddaughter, gardening, anything pertaining to his family. He also coached his family in softball, basketball, and track. He was one of the founding fathers of Siouxland Youth Association (SYA) in Sioux City.
He felt his greatest strength was his capacity to forgive and forget; it enabled him to shrug off things that probably burdened other people for years if not all of their lives. He always found the good in people. Dick had a personal relationship with the Lord and knew he would be with him and gained great peace in knowing this.
Survivors include his wife, Charlene; daughter & son-in-law, Tammy & Todd Harlow of Sioux City, son, Troy Matousek of Sioux City; five grandchildren, Cody & Hunter Harlow, Colton, Carter, & Kylie Matousek, and his puppy, Stazie.
Preceding him in death was his parents; brother, Danny; and most recently his favorite brother-in-law, Conrad Dallen.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Dahl, Dave Stokes, Randy Wilde, and his cheating poker buddies Le Roy Zeising, Tom Masteller, Richard Jeffs, Larry Fuller and Mike Hobart whom he had great respect for and very thankful for his service to the community.
Dick was a caring son, loving faithful husband, doting father, fun papa, and loved his pup, Stazie, and a loyal friend. He will be greatly missed.