Thomas Matz's Obituary
Mr. C. Thomas “Tom” Matz, age 84, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. He was born in Muskegon on November 2, 1939 to Edward and Mary (Jandris) Matz. Tom was a veteran of the United States National Guard. He worked as a administrative executive and Vice President of Muskegon General Hospital for over 30 years prior to his retirement in 1997. After his retirement, Tom drove the beer cart at Fruitport Golf Course, a “job” he truly loved. On June 23, 1961, Tom married the former M. Louise Martin in Muskegon and they had three children. Tom was a true family man and always put his family first. He loved taking family vacations, even when it meant making sacrifices, to create those lasting memories together. Tom was a lifelong avid outdoorsman, hunter, and fisherman. From an early age and heavily influenced by his Uncle Jim, Tom grew to love shooting sports. He qualified for the Olympic Team, however he turned down the offer because it interfered with hunting season. He enjoyed duck and bird hunting, and as he got older that passion changed to turkey and deer hunting. He also was an avid bow hunter, and enjoyed trips to the Upper Peninsula where he, along with Louise, enjoyed spending the month of October bow hunting. One of the last deer he shot earned him a record trophy with Pope and Young. In their later years, Tom and Louise enjoyed the dear friendships they formed spending over 20 winters in Key Colony Beach, Florida. Tom is survived by his wife of 62 years, Louise; two daughters, Molly (Brian) Kidner and Melissa (Jason) Balavitch; former daughter-in-law, Rhonda (Steve) Shepard; four grandchildren, Olivia Balavitch, Peyton Balavitch, Allison Matz, and Drew Matz; great-granddaughter, Genevieve; brother, Bob (Sandy) Matz; and sister, Bonnie (Chuck) Hunt. He was preceded in death by his son, Andrew Matz; parents; and brother, Paul Matz. VISITATION will be held from 5-8 PM Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 Harvey St., Norton Shores, MI 49444. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL will be held 11:00 AM Wednesday, December 6, 2023 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church (2929 McCracken St., Norton Shores, MI 49441) with Fr. Steve Geerling presiding. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery. MEMORIALS in memory of Tom may be directed to Sportsman for Youth or the Harbor Hospice Foundation. You may sign his online guestbook at www.sytsemafh.com
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