Ed "Ralph" Matz

Ed �Ralph� Matz, age 76, of Hastings, died Thursday, October 2, 2008 at United Hospital in St. Paul. He was born March 2, 1932 in Hastings to George R. and Katherine (Rollinger) Matz. He married Roxanne Norton on October 24, 1953 at the Guardian Angels Church in Hastings. Ed �Ralph� had worked for the King Midas Flour Mill and Cenex prior to retirement; and was a life member of both the Hastings American Legion and the V.F.W. Preceded in death by his parents; brothers Harold, Richard, George; and sister Gertrude Loesch; he is survived by his wife Roxanne; children Bart (Pam Christianson) Matz, Scott (Lori) Matz all of Hastings, Barbara (Brian) Tonkin of Evansville, IN, Guy (Cindy) Matz and Eric (Jennifer) Matz all of Hastings; also 20 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren; sister Esther Heselton of Hastings; many nieces and nephews. The funeral service, officiated by Fr. James Perkl will be held at the CATURIA-SMIDT FUNERAL HOME, 201 E. 7th Street, Hastings at 11:00 A.M. Saturday, October 4, 2008, with visitation 2 hours prior to the service. The pallbearers are Jacob Matz, Anthony Heimer, Gerad Wester, Andrew Matz, Zachary Matz, Jake Matz, Brent Matz, and Evan Matz. Interment with military honors provided by the Hastings V.F.W. Lyle Russell Post #1210will follow in Lakeside Cemetery.