Thomas H. Matter

Surrounded by his loving family, Thomas H. Matter, age 78, passed away Monday, January 17, 2011, at his residence following a courageous battle with cancer. Thomas was born in Racine, February 25, 1932, son of the late Elmer F. and Gertrude (Nee: Aller) Matter.

Thomas was a graduate of William Horlick High School “Class of 1951.” From 1952-1956 during the Korean War Thomas proudly served in the United States Air Force. On October 16, 1954, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church he was united in marriage to Margaret “Muncie” E. Silvasi. Thomas was employed for forty-three years by Modine Manufacturing as a Senior Application Designer until his retirement in 1995. He served on the Board of Directors at Modine Credit Union and was a member of the Modine “20 Year Club.”

Thomas was a member of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church and served on the maintenance committee. Prior to becoming a member at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, Thomas was a longtime member of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church, where he served on the parish council and various other committees. Thomas was an avid golfer who enjoyed time spent on Thursdays with the Modine Retirees and with his Wednesday and Sunday groups. He was very proud of his golfing achievement with three holes in one. He also enjoyed gardening, woodworking, designing tables and cabinets for his family and attending car shows with his son. More than anything, he was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be dearly missed.

Survivors include his loving wife of 56 years, Muncie; his children, Sue (Ed) Agnew, Thomas M. (Kathleen) Matter, all of Racine; his grandchildren, Brad (Diana) Agnew of Chicago, IL, Stefanie Agnew, Katrina Matter, of Racine; his great-grandson, Jalen Paul; sisters, Barbara (Don) Christoff of Racine, Marilyn (Neil) Loomis of Green Bay, WI; brother, Dennis (Linda) of DeLand, FL; sister-in-law, Dorothy Silvasi; brother-in-law, Rudy Mayer; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Bernard; grandparents; brothers-in-law, Steve Silvasi, Julius Silvasi, Russell Reff Sr.; sisters-in-law, Marian Mayer, Nancy Silvasi; and nephew, Russell Reff Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, January 22, 2011, at 10 a.m. at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 6400 Spring St., with Rev. William J. Dietzler officiating. Entombment will follow at Holy Cross Garden Mausoleum, Hwy 32. Relatives and friends may meet with the family Friday at the funeral home from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday at the church from 9 a.m. until time of Mass at 10 a.m. Memorials to St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church or to Hospice Alliance Inc. have been suggested.

The family wishes to extend a special thank you to Hospice Alliance staff and especially nurses, Terry K. and Veronica M. , for their loving and compassionate care.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine  (262) 634-7888