Fran was born Sept. 9, 1943 in Auburn Township, Fayette County, daughter of Anton and Julia (Langreck) Steinlage. (Francelia Julia Steinlage). She passed away at her home near Clermont, Iowa on March 19, 2018, at age 74.
Fran married Arthur W. Matt on June 11, 1963 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church, St. Lucas, Iowa. She and Art farmed side-by-side their entire lives. She and Art were devoted members of St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa.
Fran ardently lived her faith in every moment of life, thanking God for both the sufferings and joys as ways “to draw closer to God.” She offered many prayers and kind deeds to all as a way to serve and love our Lord, who “will always provide.”
Fran is survived by her husband, Art, of 54 years and her four children, Kathy (Bill) Bridge, Delafield, Wisconsin, Rick (Renee) Matt, Castalia, Iowa, Jeanie (Jim) Ruehlow, Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Joanie (Dennis) Goddard, Clermont, Iowa; twelve grandchildren – her pride and joy, Juliana, Michelle, Matt, Ben, and Annmarie Bridge, Damien (Caytlin), Jesse, and Sage Matt, Ross and Molly Ruehlow, Elizabeth and Mattison Goddard; siblings, Florian (Leona) Steinlage, Tony (Monica) Steinlage, Betty (Albert) Matt, and Nicky (Dorothy) Steinlage; In-laws, Margaret Steinlage, Corrina Steinlage, Ralph (Jeanine) Matt, Doris (Kenny) Wagner, Dennis Rear, Mary Helen (Arlo) Schmitt, Robert (Evy) Matt, Loretta (Tom) Conrey; and many nieces and nephews.
Fran is preceded in death by her parents; siblings, Rosie (John) Bouska, Ferdie Steinlage, Leo Steinlage, Herman Steinlage, and sister-in-law, Carla Rear.
As she prayed for us in life, she continues now for eternity. “Jesus, I trust in you.”
Visitation will be Friday, March 23, 2018 from 5-7 pm with a 4:30 pm Rosary at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa and one hour before Mass at the Church on Saturday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am on Saturday, March 24, 2018 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Clermont, Iowa with Rev. Don Komboh and Rev. David Ambrosy as the Concelebrants.
Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyoming Catholic College, Lander, Wyoming; Benedictine College, Atchison, Kansas; Ave Maria University, Ave Maria, Florida or a charity of your choice.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Clermont, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.