remembering joe matsen

Farewell and thank you, Joe Matsen. 

Friends of Youth is sad to announce the passing of Joseph R. Matsen on November 14, 2024, at the age of 98. Joe’s mother, Iva Matsen, was the founder of Friends of Youth, along with her husband and other members of the University Congregational Church. Joe was an attorney for more than 50 years who joined his father’s law practice after graduating from the University of Michigan Law School. 

He was very involved in his community, holding a variety of roles and supporting many organizations including Friends of Youth, First United Methodist Church of Bellevue, Northwest Danish Association of WA and OR, 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 two children, Jay D. (Katherine) Matsen and Ellen R.M. (Tim) Boyer; three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. His daughter Ellen and grandson Joe continue to be involved with Friends of Youth and we are grateful for the family’s continued support.  

Please enjoy this video featuring an interview with three generations of the Matsen family.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/f15e9c_c04475452d8b471ca4be2708892c8a6e/1080p/mp4/file.mp4

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Friends of Youth Foundation at friendsofyouthfoundation.org/donate.