Matthew (Matt) Lee Bartholomew, age 53, of Keosauqua, Iowa, passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, September 20, 2023 at his home.
Matt was born to Larry and Diane (Wichhart) Bartholomew on January 15, 1970 at Van Buren County Hospital in Keosauqua, Iowa. Matt has held the title of “Largest Baby Born” at the hospital since that date weighing in at 11 lbs 13 oz. Matt married the love of his life, Tina (Peek) Davis on July 7, 2001 in Keosauqua, Iowa. He gained two children from this union.
Matt graduated from Van Buren County High School in 1988 where he began working for Ace Hardware through the MOC program. Matt dedicated 35 years of his life to his profession, only taking off one week after high school, before returning to Ace and the workforce. Matt started his career at Ace Hardware until they closed then continued with Wasko Hardware where he had been the store manager for over 10 years. Matt was always available at the store offering his friendly smile, some helpful advice, and usually a sarcastic suggestion for any project! Day, night, or after hours, you could count on Matt to help you in an emergency. He was loved and appreciated by all his customers.
Matt’s favorite title was Grandpa and Uncle. Spending time with the kids 4-wheeling and practical joking was the highlight of his life! Matt enjoyed making sure his lawn was well cared for and spent lots of hours ensuring it always looked nice and sharing that passion with his grandchildren always brought a smile to his face. Matt is well known as the “un”official taste tester to the local bakers. Matt was always ready and willing to tackle that job and make suggestions or pass on creations of his own. Matt also spent 26 years as a volunteer in the Keosauqua Fire Department before his retirement in 2016.
Matt is survived by his wife Tina Bartholomew, parents Larry & Diane Bartholomew, children Paige Novak and Jesse (Kelsie) Davis and Phil Jones, grandchildren Alexis (Joe) Jones, Hunter and Ransley Jones, and Tucker and Archer Novak, siblings Deb (Bob) Troutman, Rhonda (Scott) Niederhuth, Tammy (Mike) Keller, and Doug (Brenda) Bartholomew, in-laws Ray & Joan Peak, Dawn (Ronnie) Smith, Tracy (Danny) Miller, and Cheri Claman, many many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews, and his Wasko Hardware Family. Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents Fuller & Marie Batholomew and Roy & Kathryn Wichhart, sister in law Rayann Peek Brown, uncles Gary Wichhart, Don Wichhart, Tom Wichhart and aunts Chris Wiley and Margaret Linn. Matt was also preceded by his favorite pets Lucy, Billy, Abby, and Tiger Bartholomew.
Visitation will be held at Cranston Family Funeral Home (FKA Pedrick Funeral Home) in Keosauqua, Iowa on Sunday, September 24, 2023 from 2-4pm. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Hotel Manning in Keosauqua, Iowa on Saturday, October 7, 2023 beginning at 5pm. Memorials honoring Matt may be made to the Keosauqua Fire Department or to Matt’s family and can be left at the Funeral Home, Wasko Hardware, or mailed to the family at 22578 Maple Ave., Keosauqua, IA 52565.
I met Matt five years ago when I moved to Keosauqua. When I met Matt, I felt I had an instant friend. I enjoyed my conversations so much with Matt, that I relayed them to friends and relatives. I found that they all knew Matt and adored him. I am left with the impression that everyone he met became a friend. Every time I spoke to him, I left with a smile. He always took the time to be warm and pleasant. I found reasons to go to Wasko just to shoot the breeze with Matt. I felt like I… Read more »