JOHN MATZ

1925 - 2009

The family of John Matz would like to announce his passing in Taber on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at the age of 83 years.
John is lovingly remembered by his wife Florence of 52 years; his six children, Van (Doddi) of Lethbridge, Terrie (Dave) Kochis of Bow Island, Lorna (Rick) Kurio of Lethbridge, Roy (Laurie) of Burdett, Rick (Rebecca) of Calgary, David (Virginia) of Burdett; his eight grandchildren, Owen, Shawn, Lisa, Robert, Dana, Callie, Megan and Kristyn. John is survived by his sisters, Mary (Bill) Knodel of Medicine Hat, Josephine (Len) Dietrich of Maple Creek, brother Mike (Pearl) Matz of Brooks, brother-in-law George Friedt of Medicine Hat and by Florence’s sisters, Jean Haugen, AnnaMae (Gordon) Mifflin, her brother Bob Bell, all of Claresholm and by numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents and sister Julia Friedt.
John was born on August 15, 1925 on the family farm near Richmound, Saskatchewan to parents Rochus and Helen Matz.
In 1956, John met the love of his life, Florence, when he was visiting friends in Calgary and the two married five months later.
John was born a farmer and farming was the only life he ever knew. They settled on the farm near Richmound and began their family. In 1964 they relocated to Burdett and made the switch from dryland to irrigation farming; a decision he never regretted as the farm prospered. He took great pride in raising purebred charolais cattle and spent many days going to cattle auctions until his retirement at age 75. He continued to check in with Roy about the farm daily and owned land until he died.
John and Florence retired to Taber in a neighbourhood filled with old and new friends. John’s other passion was music and he was always eager to play polkas on his accordion. John had a great sense of humour and enjoyed spending time with family and friends – preferably playing cards.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk SDS, Celebrant. A private family burial will take place at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in John’s name may be made directly to the CNIB, 410 Stafford Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2L2 - telephone: (403) 327-1044 (www.cnib.ca).