Darrel Matz

Darrel Matz, age 93, of Wadena, Minnesota entered eternal rest on April 27, 2018 at Lakewood Health Care in Staples, MN. He was born on December 25, 1924 in Wadena Hospital to Otto and Dot (Erdman) Matz. He grew up on the family farm with his parents and brother, Milo. Darrel attended a small country school and started Wadena High School while helped on the family farm, north of Wadena in Rockwood Township. He then proudly served our country with the United States Army. Being stationed overseas, Darrel earned the Bronze Star and Combat Infantry Badge in the battle of Okinawa. He spent one year in Japan on occupational duty and Tokyo, before being discharged.

Once he returned in 1946, Darrel and Beverly Percival were united in marriage on March 1, 1947. They lived on the family farm and spent most of their life in agriculture business. Darrel attended four years of Ag School. Darrel enjoyed the outdoors and working with animals, especially horses. He loved to take part in various sports, winning ribbons in his later years for running and biking.

Darrel lived with an advert spirit and had strong beliefs in God. He was member of the Holiness Methodist Church and an active leader in adult bible study. His last years were spent driving the van for Rising Phoenix and working with the handicapped. Darrel was a wonderful loving husband, and father and will be dearly missed.

Preceded in death by his loving wife, Beverly; parents, Otto and Dot Matz; son-in-law, John W. Knott; brother, Milo (Daisy) Matz; infant grandsons: Brian Kelley and Jamie Virgil Kimber.

Survived by daughters: Renee (Merv) Kelley of Fargo, ND; Lynette (Ken) Dittberner of Hinckley; Betty Knott of Ely; Nancy (Steve) Kimber of Wadena; 9 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; many other relatives and a host of friends.

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