John Robert Matz

John was born in Waseca on December 31, 1931, to parents Anthony and Elaine (Krueger) Matz.  He attended school in Waseca and graduated from Waseca Central High School.  On August 7, 1954, he was married to LaVonne Klessig in her hometown of Colby, WI.  Throughout his working years, John was employed at Herter’s and for Waseca County before beginning his 36-year career at the E.F. Johnson Company.  He began his E.F. Johnson years as an hourly materials handler and by retirement had worked his way up to the Director of Production.  Also during those years he continued his education by earning a S.M.E. (Society of Manufacturing Engineering) certificate, and later continued his involvement as a local and regional director of the organization, all the while operating the family farm.  His last job was at Charlie’s Hardware.  When he retired from there, he became a member of “The Board”.  John was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, and collecting rocks and Indian artifacts.  He was the very first card-carrying member of the Waseca Sportsman’s Club after its inception in the 1960’s.  John also enjoyed volunteering with the Waseca Historical Society and the Waseca Sleigh and Cutter Festival.  In his later years, he enjoyed nothing more than attending his grandchildren’s many school and sports activities.  He was a long-time member of First Congregational Church in Waseca and was involved both in the Masonic Lodge and the Shriner’s Club.

John is survived by three children, Cheryl Matz Au of Bloomington, Kathy Roeglin of Plymouth, and Bob Matz of Chaska; and four grandchildren, Jon, Patrick, Jacob, and Sarah.  He was preceded in death by both of his parents; his wife of 58 years, LaVonne Matz; and his sister and brother-in-law, Marian (Ray) Hanenberger.

John’s family would like to offer a heartfelt thanks to the many nurses, caregivers, and therapists at the Minnesota Masonic Home and the doctors and nurses at Abbott Northwestern Hospital who helped them care for their dad.

Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at the Third Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca and will continue for one hour before service at the church on Sunday.