Mathew D. Wudinich

Funeral service for Mathew Daniel Wudinich, 61, of Eveleth will be at 11 am on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at the Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Gilbert with Pastor Mickey Olson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Inurnment will be in the Rauha Cemetery at a later date. Mathew passed away Saturday, July 2, 2016 at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Minneapolis following a courageous battle with mesothelioma. He was born on July 26, 1954 to Thomas and Irene (Inman) Wudinich in Eveleth. He grew up and attended school in Eveleth. Mathew enlisted in the US Navy in 1972 until his honorable discharge. He was employed by Erie Mining and later LTV Steel until the company’s closing. He had also been employed by Malton Equipment and most recently for Auto Value until his retiring in September 2015 due to health reasons. Mathew was united in marriage to Cindy Hietala on May 23, 1984 in Virginia. The couple made their home in Eveleth. Mathew enjoyed being outdoors camping, fishing, and spending quality time with his grandbabies. His greatest pleasure was in becoming a “Papa” to his beloved grandbabies, his little “Salt and Pepper Shakers”. Mathew will be dearly missed. Survivors include his wife of 32 years: Cindy; daughter: Kristen (Joe) Samsa of Eveleth and son: Jeffery (Wendy) Wudinich of Cook; two grandsons: Leighton and Gunnar Samsa; three sisters: Charlene Frye of Eveleth, MaryAnn (Marvin) Salin of Eveleth, and Irene (Ray) Koski of Embarrass; two brothers: Thomas and Timothy Wudinich, both of Gilbert; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded by his parents: Thomas and Irene Wudinich; a stepfather, Leslie Mykkanen; two brothers, Larry and Kevin Wudinich; and his brother-in-law, Eddie Frye.