Michael Mattiace, 87, died peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, September 19, 2026. Michael lived with Stage 4 Prostate Cancer for 18 months until it finally took him home to meet his Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, October 24, 2026, at Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church (510 E. 1st Street, Ankeny) followed by burial at Ankeny Memorial Gardens (4208 N. Ankeny Blvd, Ankeny). A Celebration of Life will continue with a visitation and luncheon following the burial from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Lakeside Fellowship (1121 W Bridge Rd, Polk City).

Michael “Mick” Roy Mattiace was born in New York City on 10th Avenue and 51st Street, known as “Hell’s Kitchen,” on August 13, 1939, to Evelyn Veronica Mattiace and William Vito Mattiace.

Michael attended Sacred Heart Elementary School and later graduated from John Adams High School in Queens. He received a basketball scholarship to Hofstra University in Hempstead, New York, provided he attend summer school in 1958. He instead chose to play baseball for the Dodger Rookie Team. In 1960, he was signed by the Cincinnati Reds organization and went on to have a successful minor league career playing in the Florida State League, Three-I League, South Atlantic League, Southern Association, and Pacific Coast League.

In 1962, Michael entered the Army Reserve and served with the Military Police, later receiving an honorable discharge from the United States Army. He earned his bachelor’s degree in physical education from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, in 1969, and went on to earn his master’s degree in physical education from the University of Kansas in 1976.

Michael was employed by the College Community School District from 1970 to 1992 as a Physical Education and Health teacher. During his teaching career at Cedar Rapids Prairie, he served as head baseball coach from 1970 to 1987, as well as sophomore basketball coach. In addition to his coaching duties, he served as the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle Leader for 10 years.

In 1966, Michael married Mary Kay Trosky, a Cedar Rapids, Iowa native. Together they were blessed with five children: Shannan, Eve, Colin, Maria, and Ian. Michael was extremely proud of his children and their professional and personal successes.

Michael was an active member of Our Lady’s Immaculate Heart Catholic Church in Ankeny, Iowa, where he sang in the choir and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. Above all, he was defined by his devotion to the LORD. He treasured his Bible, calling it 'The Sword,' and had a remarkably humble and appreciative heart. He never missed an opportunity to express his deep gratitude to those around him for their kindness and help.

Michael loved his family, his friends, and Jesus more than anything. Beyond his family, he was an enthusiastic supporter of North Polk Comets athletics, as well as a die-hard New York Yankees fan who proudly hung his Yankees flag on his townhouse door after every victory. A natural joker, he was always looking for ways to make others laugh.

He is survived by his five children, Shannan Mattiace (Tomas Nonnenmacher) of Meadville, PA, Eve (Bret) Ranard of Cedar Rapids, IA, Colin (Vicki Tysseling) Mattiace of Oak Park, IL, Maria (David) Mattiace Hauser of Polk City, IA, and Ian Mattiace of Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA; six grandchildren, Lilly, Simon, and JJ Hauser, Julia and James Mattiace, and Lucas Ranard; his brother, William 'Bill' (Wanda) Mattiace; and his beloved nieces and nephews, Donna, Jim, Ken, Christine, and Maureen (children of his sister, Dorothy), as well as Michelle, William, and Lauren (children of his brother, Bill).

He was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and William Mattiace and his sister, Dorothy Steffes.