David L Matz

David Lee Matz was born on August 2, 1946, in Breckenridge, Minnesota, to Harold and Mildred (Hein) Matz. As the eldest of five brothers, he was raised on the Matz family farm near Wolverton, Minnesota. He attended District 83, a one-room rural schoolhouse in Wolverton, before continuing his education at Breckenridge High School and Concordia Academy, graduating in 1964. He later attended both Concordia College and the University of Minnesota in St. Paul.

While attending Concordia College, David met the love of his life, Gayle M. (Rhinhart) Matz, during orientation. The couple married on August 26, 1967, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Fargo, North Dakota, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned nearly six decades.

Following college, David embarked on a career in the insurance industry that would last more than 40 years. His work took the family across the country, living in Minnesota, North Carolina, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, New Hampshire, and Kentucky before returning home to Wolverton in 2001. There, David and Gayle built a home on the family farm, where he balanced farming with his insurance career until 2011. He then dedicated himself full-time to the farm until his retirement.

Faith, family, and farming were the cornerstones of David’s life. A devoted member of Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, he served on the church council, sang in the choir, and occasionally delivered sermons. He also gave generously of his time through Lions Clubs International and the United States Junior Chamber. In his free time, David enjoyed reading, playing softball, golfing, watching movies, and spending time with those he loved. He and Gayle especially cherished their travels together and looked forward each year to escaping Minnesota winters in Destin, Florida.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Gayle; his daughters, Sara (David) Holmes, Heidi (Dennis) Welsh, and Melissa (Lacey Nohrenberg) Bethard; grandchildren Kaitlin (Tommy) Prendergast, Caroline Holmes, Charlotte Welsh, Lucas Welsh, Stephanie Welsh, Madeline (Aaron Berecka) Bethard, and Noah (Jacqueline) Bethard; great-grandchildren Christopher North-Holmes, Sebastian Roman Bethard, and Hazel Prendergast; his four brothers; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends and extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Mildred Matz; sisters-in-law Claudia Matz and Joann Rhinhart; and brother-in-law Paul Rhinhart.

David’s family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Benedictine Community Living in Ada and HIA Hospice for their compassionate care and support during his final days.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 26, 2026, at Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minnesota, with visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will follow at Mitchell Township Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research or the Arbor Day Foundation.

Michael J Fox Foundation https://www.michaeljfox.org/ P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741

Arbor Day Foundation https://www.arborday.org/ 1-888-448-7337

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