Matt R. Thomatz

Funeral service for Matt R. Thomatz, 100, of Gilbert, will be 1pm Wednesday, April 27, 2011, at Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with Pastor Dorothy Bull officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial with military honors accorded by the Gilbert VFW Color Guard will be in the Gilbert Cemetery. Mr. Thomatz died Wednesday April 20, 2011 at Eveleth Health Services Park. He was born July 17, 1910 in Biwabik, MN to John and Katherine (Schlotec) Thomatz. Matt attended McKinley and Gilbert schools. Following schooling, he worked in the McKinley Mine and later in the Biwabik Mine. In 1942 he enlisted with the US Army. He was a Corporal who received seven campaign stars, including the Bronze Star medal. He was discharged in 1945. Matt worked for Erie Mining Company and retired from there in 1972 as a shovel operator with 45 years of service in the mining industry. He was an avid gardener, enjoyed spending time in the woods, fishing, hunting and picking blueberries. Matt especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. He was a member of the George and Mark Klobuchar VFW Post in Gilbert. Survivors include his children: Mary (Chuck Voss) Thomatz of Two harbors, Janet Gray of Onamia, Robert Thomatz of Fayal Twp. and John "Ben" (Rachel)Thomatz of Babbitt; nine grandchildren; nineteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Ruth; five sisters; four brothers.