Joel Francis Matthies

Joel Francis Matthies was born in Faribault, Minnesota on May 7, 1944 to Harold Matthies and Annabelle Moreau. He shared 34 years of marriage with his loving wife, Patty. As the story goes, Joel was a terror according to his mom. He and his cousins would jump the freight trains and ride them to the twin cities and back. However, he was related to the sheriff who was always waiting for them when they returned – he couldn’t get away with anything!

Joel served honorably in the United States Airforce and wore his Vietnam ballcap with pride! When passersby thanked him for his service he’d reply with a smile, “I had no choice. I was drafted!” Joel worked at United Airlines for 34 years. He loved to travel, and he and Patty did plenty of it! He loved the music of the 50’s and 60’s…and yep!...he did go to Woodstock! Golfing, fishing, and skiing were his favorite hobbies. “No more downhill,” is what the doctor told him when knee replacements were inevitable. He only agreed to the procedures when he learned that golf was still on the table! Joel had never met a stranger and still communicates with friends he made when competing in a golf tournament in Australia. Lyle Reynolds and Joel were friends for 55 years! Lyle owned a fishing charter service on Lake Michigan and Joel was always his first mate. He recalls one particular day in August when they went fishing for themselves and caught 60 pounds of salmon within 20 minutes! They couldn’t keep the fishing lines in the water – it was the best day of fishing either one of them ever had! The water on Lake Michigan was totally flat that day (which is rare). Lyle remembers it well because the waters were calm, yet the fishing was chaotic, and he’ll never forget it! He says, “By the time we reached the catch limit we were both sweating and smiling with joy. It was our best day together ever! Joel was the most genuine, fun person I’ve ever known.” Hank Norris’s brother, “G.T,” introduced him to Joel and they held a 40-year friendship. Joel and Hank used to go hunting together. From their numerous hunting experiences, Hank remembers that Joel was remarkably strong and could pull their prey better than anybody he’d ever known! Lifelong friends Joel, Lyle, and Hank played golf together every week for the past 30 years. And they bowled in a league together for five to ten years. Hank says, “You could always count on Joel; he was very dependable and had a great sense of humor!”

Joel is preceded in death by his parents and brother, Jerome. He is survived by his loving wife, Patty and half-brother, James Avery, along with a host of extended family and friends.

Committal Service 2:30 PM, Friday, September 1, 2023 at Ft. Logan National Cemetery 3698 S. Sheridan Blvd. Denver, CO 80235 Please arrive at staging area "C" by 2:15 PM.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Joel Francis Matthies, please visit our floral store.