Obituary of Robert L. Matters

Robert (Bobby) L Matters Jr, passed away on July 31st 2024 at his home in Minneapolis, MN.  He was born May 22nd 1949 in Ames, IA to parents Robert Laverne Matters Sr and Mary Jean Petersen. 

After graduating Ames High in 1967 he attended Waldorf Jr. College then Texas Lutheran College. In 1972 he moved to Minneapolis where he worked as a cab driver and a department store salesman until eventually getting into the travel industry as a trip director. This job allowed him to travel the world and see places that most people only see in pictures. He loved the job and took pictures and mementos from all the exotic places he visited. In 1976 he met Betsy Perry on a blind date/camping trip in La Crosse, WI. The two married in 1978 and later had two sons Drew and Reed. He made a lot of friends on his travels which helped him afford to take his family on trips every year. After retiring in 2013 he spent most of his time with friends and family and occasionally volunteered at The Aliveness Project. In the last few years his health slowly declined making it more and more difficult for him to do the things he used to love, but after recent events he’s finally travelling again. 

Preceded in death by parents Robert Sr and Mary Jean.

Survived by sons Drew Matters of Albert Lea and Reed Matters (wife Hannah) of Farmington, former wife and close friend Betsy Matters of Minneapolis, brother Greg Matters (wife Sally) of Ames, granddaughter Amelia Mae (Reed and Hannah), and many loving nieces and nephews.

There will be a celebration of life on Saturday September 7th from 1:00 to 5:00 at Four Seasons Dance Studio, 1637 Hennepin Ave,  Minneapolis, MN 55403.  www.fourseasonsdance.com