Harold Matz

Harold Vivian Matz, 86, of Breckenridge, MN formerly of Wolverton, MN died Sunday, January 10, 2010 at St. Catherine’s Living Center in Wahpeton, ND surrounded by his family.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at Grace Lutheran Church , Breckenridge , MN , with Rev. Ryan Drevlow officiating.

Visitation will be Wednesday, January 13, 2010 from 4p.m. to 8p.m. with a prayer service at 7 p.m. at Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home, Breckenridge , MN . There will also be visitation for one hour prior to the funeral at the church.

Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery , Breckenridge.

Pallbearers will be Harold’s five sons and his brother-in-law, Kenneth Olson.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Harold’s grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and Warren Priebe, his cousin.

Harold was born to Roland Matz and Angeline (Osmondson) Matz on March 15, 1923. He was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church , Mitchell Township , Wolverton , MN on April 29, 1923. Harold was confirmed at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Wahpeton, ND on May 23, 1937. He attended country school at District 83 in Mitchell Township and graduated from Breckenridge High School in 1940. He attended North Dakota State College of Science in Wahpeton and studied Business Administration. His first job was as a bookkeeper for Citizen’s National Bank in Wahpeton.

Harold married Mildred Hein on November 11, 1945 at Christ Lutheran Church . Harold and Mildred lived and farmed on the family homestead in Mitchell Township until retiring and moving to Breckenridge in 2007.

Harold’s passions were his family, his farm, and his Lord. He greeted each day by reading scripture. He led many Bible studies and did extensive journaling about day to day life. His farm became a Century farm in 2000. He received numerous awards for his crops at local and regional shows. He was the recipient of soil conservation awards and took pride in the stewardship of his land. In 1998 he received the Outstanding Agri-Business award from the Breckenridge Chamber of Commerce.

Harold was a member of Christ Lutheran Church , Mitchell Township until its closure in 2002. He then transferred to Grace Lutheran Church in Breckenridge. While at Christ Lutheran Church , Harold served as a Sunday School teacher, Bible Study Leader, Elder, and other offices. Harold was also a member of the Gideons.

Harold is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mildred Matz, of Breckenridge and five sons: David (Gayle) Matz, Wolverton, MN and their daughters, Sara (David) Holmes, Heidi (Dennis) Welsh and Melissa; Michael (Claudia) Matz, Breckenridge, MN and their children, Nicholas Matz, and Nicolette (Greg) Neutz; Timothy (Jo) Matz, Wahpeton, ND and their children Kristy, Ryan, and Kari; Nathan (Gloria) Matz, Breckenridge, MN and their children Matthew (Heather) Matz and Jennifer (Josh) Hass; Jonathan (Laurie) Matz, Fort Worth, Texas and their sons Tyler and Hunter. Harold is also survived by his eight great-grandchildren: Kaitlyn and Caroline Holmes, Charlotte, Lucas and Stephanie Welsh, Madeline and Noah Bethard and Isabella Matz and his sister, Bette Peters of Fargo , ND along with several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Roland and Angeline Matz; his sisters, Doris Ballard, Treva Ujka, and infant sister; and his nephew, Mark Ballard.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be given to Grace Lutheran Church of Breckenridge .