Gregory Dan ‘Buck’ Matz, 51, Birnamwood, died on Sunday, July 23, 2017 at Ministry St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.
He was born on April 2, 1966 in Wausau, the son of Arthur and Rhoda (Beyer) Matz of Eland. On May 31, 2008, Greg was united in marriage to Sandy Lemmer in Marathon. She survives.
Greg was a graduate of Wittenberg-Birnamwood High school and was currently employed at Graphic Packaging for 30 years. He played little league as a boy, played Sunday baseball for Eland where he was known for his famous knuckleball and currently plays old timers for Mountain Bay. In the Spring, Greg and his family would make maple syrup and just enjoy each others company. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Greg was a hard worker, up at dawn and didn’t come in until dark. He always said, “The wood had to get done.” He worked up his fields so the family could plant gardens. Greg made his families home a sanctuary and made people feel at ease and welcome when they came to visit. He made friends easily and was more loved than any one person could know. In Chance’s words…Greg was the best father anyone could ask for. He was always there for me and his family. He was a hardworking man. Worked for everything he had. In my eyes he was the best hunter and fisherman there ever was. I love you Greg and I miss you. Per Sandy… I love him and I am lost without him. I’m going to get the lawn mowed Greg. I love you.
Survivors include his wife, Sandy Matz of Birnamwood; parents, Arthur and Rhoda Matz of Eland; one son, Chance Matz; one brother, Dale Matz of Algoma; one sister, Cindy (Greg) VanLanen of Wittenberg; mother-in-law, Debbie (Martin) Gust-Boerema of Wausau; three sisters-in-law, Heidi Lemmer, Mary (John) Yonker and Hayley (Kenny) Paulin; one brother-in-law, David (Kathryn Newell) Lemmer and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Greg was preceded in death by his grandparents, Eddie and Violet Matz, Ferne Beyer and Byron Dach; six uncles, Eddie, Allen, and Kenneth Matz, Roger Treptow, Allen Beyer and Richard Davis; one cousin, Mark Serrano and father-in-law, Mark Lemmer.
The funeral service will be held at 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 29, 2017, at Schmidt & Schulta Funeral Home, Wittenberg. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 AM until the time of service at the Funeral Home.