Richard L. Matz

Richard L. (Dick) Matz, 76, of Lafayette, passed away on January 1, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born January 8, 1939, in Mishawaka, to Rosetta and Oscar Matz. He graduated from Mishawaka High School in 1957. He obtained an Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology from DeVry Technical Institute in 1960. He worked in the School of Electrical Engineering at Purdue University for 45 years in several positions, including Computer Engineer. Dick lived with his family on a small farm in Tippecanoe County for 43 years. He loved working the land, raising animals, and appreciating nature.  Among his hobbies, at which he excelled, were photography, woodworking, genealogy, computers, gardening, and fishing. Above all, Dick treasured his family. They will dearly miss his strength, his sense of humor, his bear hugs, and his loving and generous spirit.

 Dick is survived by his wife, Darlene, his daughters Kathleen Matz (husband Jack Cheevers) and Kristin Matz (husband Ed Knoth), stepson John Hrabal (wife Sarah), stepdaughter Elizabeth Williams (husband Dan), grandchildren Cayden and Lily Williams, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Nancy Welborn Matz, his parents, his stepfather, and his 11 brothers and sisters.

 A memorial service will be held Saturday, January 9, 2016, at St. James Lutheran Church, 800 Cincinnati St, Lafayette. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., with the service immediately following. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the St. James Lutheran Church food pantry.