Matthew William George

Matthew “Matt” William George, 65, passed away on August 29, 2025, doing what he loved—racing his motorcycle.

Visitation will take place on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Saylorville Church, located at 6429 NW 6th Dr, Des Moines, Iowa. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., also at Saylorville Church, followed by a graveside service at Lowman Cemetery in Runnells, Iowa. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made out in Matthew’s name to the High Pointe Church building fund. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Born on December 8, 1959, Matt grew up with a love for speed, hard work, and family. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in 1978. In 1975, he met the love of his life, Nannette, and from that day on, she was his partner in every adventure. They married in 1982 and together built a life grounded in love, faith, and family. Matt was most proud of being a husband, dad, and grandpa. He and Nannette raised three children and were later blessed with eleven grandchildren, who were truly the light of his life. He loved nothing more than cheering them on, making them laugh, and creating memories with them.

Over the years, Matt worked a variety of jobs—trucking, hauling meat, livestock, rock, bean oil, and more. He was truly a jack of all trades, known for his resourcefulness and ingenuity. His craftsmanship could be seen in everything from building a conventional Peterbilt motorhome to restoring a 1974 cab-over Peterbilt, and from painting motorcycles to custom helmets. In the 1990s, he even started a custom dirt track leather racing suit business for motorcycle racers.

Motorcycle racing was one of Matt’s greatest passions. He loved flat track racing and, alongside his wife, promoted races for more than 20 years. His favorite bike was his cherished HD XR750. When he wasn’t at the track, you could often find him at the Knoxville Sprint Car Races—a tradition he faithfully kept with friends and family for over 60 years.

Matt was known for his sense of humor, his friendliness, and his ability to strike up a conversation with anyone. He loved pizza, football, and a good stash of candy, but above all, he loved his family. His greatest joy was found in time spent with his wife, kids, and grandkids—whether it was working on projects, watching races, or simply being together.

Matt’s deepest love was for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. His faith was the foundation of his life, and he wanted nothing more than for his family and friends to know the hope he had in Christ.

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Paul George; his mother, Shirley George; and his brother, Paul George.

He is survived by his wife, Nannette George; his children Kurt (Brittney) George of Monroe, Katie (Chris) Gonzalez of Bondurant, and Lydia (Jesse) Gerlach of Carlisle; and his eleven grandchildren: Josie, Landon, Zoey, Chloe, Ayla, Elsie, Mabel, Della, Judah, Connor, and Kennedy. He is also survived by his siblings Kelly George, Tommy (Kathy) George, Eddy (Irvin) George, Jimmy (Jill) George, and Julie (Troy) Norman, along with numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Matt will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandpa, and faithful follower of Christ. His legacy of faith, laughter, and love will continue to live on in the family he cherished so dearly.