Joseph R. Matsen of Bellevue, WA passed away on November 14, 2024 at the age of 98, living life full of family, community, and love. He was born in Seattle Washington to Joe and Iva Matsen on November 9, 1926, joining a sister, Mariel, and brother, Ralph, all of whom preceded him in death.
Joe completed his undergrad in 1949 at Washington State and then earned his law degree from the University of Michigan. He came back to Seattle with his new bride, Charlotte, and joined his father in their practice. For more than 50 years, he worked with families, many of whom became friends, assisting them with planning their estates.
He was very involved in his community, holding a variety of roles and supporting many organizations such as Friends of Youth (which his mother and father were instrumental in founding), First United Methodist Church of Bellevue, Northwest Danish Association, Washington State University, Bayview Manor in Seattle, Windsor House Condo Association in Bellevue, and The Gardens Retirement Community in Bellevue.
He is best remembered, however, as a loving husband and a devoted father, grandfather, and great grandfather. Joe is preceded in death by his wife of over 59 years, Charlotte W. Matsen. He is survived by 2 children, Jay D. (Katherine) Matsen and Ellen R.M. (Tim) Boyer; 3 grandchildren (Melissa, Joe, and Spencer) and 2 great grandchildren (Cade and Jace).
In remembrance, memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Youth Foundation. www.friendsofyouthfoundation.org.
