Matthew Lee Hobson

Matthew Lee Hobson

Matthew Lee Hobson, 71, of Waterloo, Iowa, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2025. He was born on June 27, 1954, in Des Moines. He grew up and resided throughout his life in Waterloo. Matt exchanged vows with the love of his life on May 24, 1975, Connie Hobson, in a ceremony at Salem United Church in rural Waukon.

Matt was a highly intelligent man with a passion for knowledge and a generous spirit. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from the University of Northern Iowa in 1976, followed by a Master’s degree in Community Health from UNI in 1993. Matt dedicated 33 years of his career to the State Health Department as a disease prevention specialist and epidemiologist, a role in which he made significant contributions to public health. Matt was also a member of the AIDS coalition of Northeast Iowa and was passionate about providing support and education to those living with HIV and AIDS. He also served as an adjunct professor at the University of Northern Iowa teaching Human Sexuality. Matt ensured his daughters, friends, and family were well educated along the way.

Beyond his professional life, Matt was an avid outdoorsman, passionate about conservation, and an enthusiast of the arts. He loved hiking vigorous trails, camping, and birdwatching. His creative side was expressed through crafts and painting. He also enjoyed traveling (especially Jackson Hole, Wyoming) and was a steadfast supporter of causes close to his heart, including regular donations to the Audubon Society, the Waterloo Public Library, and Cedar Valley Hospice.

Matt was known for his incredible memory, an ability that delighted his family and friends. He could recall historical facts with ease and captivated listeners by reciting songs, stories, and poems from memory. His daughters fondly remember sitting around the campfire, eating Jiffy Pop popcorn, and listening to him recount tales like “Blackwater Hattie.” He was a man you could always count on, willing to drop everything to help those in need.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Connie Hobson, his daughter Crystal Hobson, his parents, Bernard Hobson and Barbara Jauch and his stepfather Karl Jauch.
Matt is survived by his loving daughters, Rebecca (Roger) Wooden of Buckingham, Iowa, and Katie Unland (Chad Clark) of Cedar Falls, Iowa. He was a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren: Reese, Landon, and Abigail Wooden, Natalie Unland, and Cale Clark. He is also survived by his brothers, Mark Hobson and Kurt Jauch.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at the family quarry near Dysart, Iowa, on Sunday, July 20th, at noon. The quarry is on C37 about a mile south of Hickory Hills on your way to Dysart, IA. A catered lunch will be provided as family and friends gather to share stories and spread his ashes, honoring a life well-lived.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Western Home – At Home for their compassionate in-home care, to Cedar Valley Hospice for their exceptional care in his final hours, and to Dick and Jane Reisner for their invaluable assistance with appointments, allowing his daughters to maintain their work.

In lieu of flowers, plants, or chimes, memorial donations may be directed to Becky Wooden or Katie Unland, who will ensure contributions are made to the charities Matt felt passionate about, including the Audubon Society, Waterloo Public Library, and Cedar Valley Hospice.

As David Crosby wisely said, “Don’t waste the time. Time is the final currency. Not money, not power, it’s time.” Matt and family have learned the value of time.

Locke at Tower Park is in charge of arrangements.