Matthew Frank Sr. Durda's Obituary
Matthew F. Durda, Sr., age 92, passed away Monday morning, October 4, 2010 at the Brookhaven Care Facility, following a long illness. The family extends a heart felt thanks to all the staff at Maplewood for the compassionate care given to Matt. Matthew Frank Durda was born, May 23, 1918 in Stevens Point, WI to Stanley and Mary (Welk) Durda and at the age of 12 moved to Muskegon. Mr. Durda, a true entrepreneur, owned and operated Matt’s Auto Body Shop, built and operated the Rollarena Roller Rink at the time, the largest in Michigan. He later expanded the Rollarena site and brought in the Miracle Mart Department Store. Matt was a member of, St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church and a former member of the Polish Union, Muskegon Eagles, Model “A” Club, F.O.P., Antique Car Club and the Port City Puddle Jumpers. On October 24, 1942, he married the former Patricia Mary Crawford and she survives him along with: one son, David Lee Durda of N. Muskegon, one daughter, Patricia M. “Patsy” (Jon) Ellerbroek of Norton Shores; daughter-in-law, Pat Durda, Jr. of N. Muskegon; six grandchildren, David Lee, Clay, Zac, Patty Ann, Misi and Christoper; a special nephew, George Goosen; 9 great-grandchildren; two sisters, Bernice Nielson of Muskegon and Emily Juhas of Grand Rapids and close friend Orvill Smith. He was preceded in death by his: parents; a son, Matthew Jr.; grandson, Matthew III; two brothers and 5 sisters. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 11:00 A.M., Friday with Fr. Norman Droski presiding.
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