John Philip Matz

John Philip Matz, 65, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2018 with family at his side. The youngest of five children, John was born on December 27, 1952 in Great Falls to Garvin and Frieda Matz. John attended school in Dutton, then Northern Montana College in Havre and Helena Vo-Tech. He then worked at Frontier Dodge in Great Falls for a time, and then came back to Dutton to manage the family farm. His main interests were everything automotive, especially his antique cars, fly fishing, music, playing his guitar and spending time at the family cabin in Sun River Canyon. He was a member of St. Williams Catholic Parish in Dutton. He was always such a gentle soul. John is survived by his four siblings, Dwayne (Wanda) Matz of Leonard, MN, Stella (Russ) Verbael of Great Falls and Yuma, AZ, Karen Toeckes of Dutton and Bonnie (Bobby) Benton of Wilmington, NC and several nieces; nephews; and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, Garvin and Frieda Matz and his grandparents. Funeral services for John are planned for summer when the scattered family can gather for a final farewell. The goodness in you brought out the goodness in everyone around you. That’s how bright your light shined. That’s how strong you were.