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Melvin Matt
MELVIN MATT
Garnavillo
Melvin Leo Matt, 85, of Des Moines, formerly of Garnavillo, died Friday, June 17, 2016, at Taylor Hospice House in Des Moines.
He was born July 25, 1930, on the Matt family farm near St. Olaf to Leo and Rose Matt. Melvin attended grade school at St. Joseph's Catholic School in Garnavillo and then attended and graduated from Monona Public High School in 1948. After high school, Melvin served his country proudly with the U.S. Air Force 55th Strategic Recon Squadron from 1951 until he received his honorable discharge in 1955. On Nov. 23, 1957, Melvin was united in marriage with Ruby Barron at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Cathedral in Oklahoma City.
Melvin was a lifelong devoted Catholic and a member of St. Olaf American Legion Post 0388 and Knights of Columbus in the Garnavillo/Elkader division. Mel loved gardening and his many quiet hours on his tractor working his farmland. He was a military history buff and had fond memories of his time in the Air Force and his Harley-Davidson motorcycle rides. His friends and family recall his gentle kindness, patience and humor.
Melvin will be forever loved and cherished by his six children, Barbara (Paul) Baeuchle of Leavenworth, Kan., Ed (Jackie) Matt of West Des Moines, Elaine (Brad) Schaffner of Northfield, Minn., Denise (Michael) Nash of Indianapolis, Dan Matt of Wichita Falls, Texas, and Sharon (Chris) Matt Atkins of Metuchen, N.J.; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; much loved wife, Ruby; two brothers, Father Irwin Matt and Harold Matt; sister, Evelyn Stubbe; and twin sister, Mildred Sprunck.
Arrangements are being handled by Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home, 001 S. Industrial Park Rd., Garnavillo, where the family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, June 22. Funeral services will be 9 a.m. Thursday, June 23, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, with visitation one hour before services. The Rev. Marvin Bries will officiate. Interment will be at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, Garnavillo.
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