Marion F. Matz, 91, of Birnamwood, passed away on Monday, Sept. 17, 2018, at her home surrounded by family and under the care of LeRoyer Hospice, Antigo.
She was born on Dec. 24, 1926, in Sheboygan, the daughter of the late Joseph and Theresa (Trumm) Kaufmann. She later moved to Birnamwood where she lived her entire life. On June 18, 1949, she married Edward Matz Sr. at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Birnamwood; he survives.
Marion was a very busy lady. She loved to sew, crochet and knit, but most of all she loved to sing and play her guitar. She entertained many places and was known to sing the “Bear Song” and other songs of yesteryear for the elderly. She sang at the Homme Home on Fridays for their Mass when Fr. Ev was there. Marion made everyone around her happy, and they enjoyed the sing-alongs. She loved flowers and being active in her church. She was known as the “Poppy Lady” on the street corners. Marion enjoyed selling Avon products, Home Imports and Stanley Home Products. She was a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Birnamwood for many years. Years ago, she ran the Snack Bar restaurant in Birnamwood, and she was also a Girl Scout leader. She will be missed by her family and friends.
Survivors include her husband, Edward; five children, Ed (Judy) Matz Jr., of Pickerel, Hope Baken, of Fond du Lac, Marilyn (Terry) Fischer, of Norrie, and Chad (Cindy) Matz and Mark (Judie) Matz, both of Birnamwood; 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Shirley Clark, of Birnamwood, and Lois Liethen, of Wittenberg; two brothers-in-law, George Twaroski and Keith White, both of Birnamwood; and two very special neighbors, Ron “Berf” and Jonelle Resch.
She was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Al Kaufmann, Bernice Silsby, Theresa Kunst, John Kaufmann and Lorraine Twaroski.
Mass of Christian burial was held at noon on Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, at St. Philomena Catholic Church in Birnamwood. The Rev. Vicente Llagas officiated. Burial was in the parish cemetery. The family received friends from 10 a.m. until the time of Mass on Friday at the church.
Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home, Birnamwood, is assisting the family with arrangements.
Memories and condolences may be shared at schmidtschulta.com or on Facebook at Schmidt and Schulta Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater New England Chapter, 101A First Ave., Waltham, MA 02451.