Matthew J. Gasperich, age 88, of 9353 Bayshore Drive, Kipling,MI passed away Tuesday October 13, 2009 at his residence in Kipling.

Matthew was born February 24, 1921 in Manistique, MI the son of John and Barbara (Medved) Gasperich. Matt was raised in Thompson and Kipling, and he attended the Kipling School.

Matt served in the CCC’s from 1938 to 1940 where he worked as a truck driver. Matt continued his service to our country in the U.S. Army Air Force from 1942 t0 1945. He was stationed in England and he saw action in the Normandy Campaign, Northern France Campaign, Rhineland Campaign and the Air Offensive in Europe. Upon his honorable discharge in 1945, Matt returned to Gladstone where he began his working career at the Alger-Delta Co-op until 1950. From 1950 until his retirement in 1984, Matt worked as a lineman for the U.P. Power Company.

Matt was an active member of the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wells where he served as an altar server and usher for over 25 years. He also taught religious education classes for many years at All Saints and St. Anthony churches. He was also a member of the Walter W. Cole Post #301 American Legion in Rapid River.

Matt volunteered for over 20 years at the St. Vincent DePaul Store in Gladstone and he served as its first president of the Board. His hobbies included hunting, spending time at camp and helping his family build their homes.

Matt always put his relationship with God first, followed by his family and friends. He will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Matt is survived by his wife of 61 years, the former Grace Grawey, who he was united in marriage to on July 5, 1948 at All Saints Church in Gladstone.

5 sons: Joseph of San Dimas, CA, William (Cheryl) of Gladstone, Michael (Anna) of Gladstone, Patrick of Gladstone and Matthew (Kristen) of Aberdeen, S.D.

Daughter: Rita (Robert) Johnson, of Towanda, KS

Brother: Rudy (Arlene) Gasperich of Broadview, IL

23 grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Matt was preceded in death by 4 brothers, John, Joe, Louis, Stephen and 6 sisters, Frances, Mary, Ann, Christine, Florence and Angela.

Matt's family will receive friends on Saturday October 17, 2009 from 8:30 to 10:15 AM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 AM at the St. Anthony Catholic Church in Wells with Rev. Fr. Rick Courier officiating. Luncheon will follow services in the St. Anthony Church Parish Hall. Burial will be in the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Memorial contributions in memory of Matt may be directed to Masses, envelopes will be available at the Skradski Funeral Home.