Karl R. Matz

To view a livestream broadcast of the funeral service at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, March 31, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cflDseXQI-X9a0PFSMh0Q/

Karl Ray Matz, 72, of McPherson, KS, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 22, 2021, surrounded by family at Ascension Via Christi St. Francis RMC, Wichita, KS. He retired from Johns Manville where he worked for 30 years in the warehouse. After retirement, he worked for U.S.D. #418 at the Park School warehouse and was a custodian at Washington Elementary.

Karl was born on December 24, 1948, in South Bend, IN, the son of Rolland and Grace (Baker) Matz. He graduated from Jackson High School (South Bend, IN) in 1967 and from McPherson College in 1971.

On May 23, 1970, Karl was united in marriage to Barbara A. Grasmick in McPherson, KS.

He attended CrossPoint Church in Hutchinson and enjoyed sharing his time and talents with various organizations over the years. Karl most recently had been a dedicated volunteer at Save ‘n Share where he was reported to have “sole”! He was an avid walker and could also be found working out regularly. Karl was a very talented artist having drawn and painted countless sports pictures. He also used his talent in the design and construction of train tables and most recently his Civil War diorama. He loved his family greatly and attended as many of his children’s and grandchildren’s events as he could (including events of his “adopted families”). Karl had a gift for loving people, and when you saw him, you were in for a long conversation, a smile, and a hug or pat on the back.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Barbara of the home; two daughters, Michelle Huddle and husband, Todd, of McPherson, KS and Jennifer Vermeulen and husband, Michael, of Roseville, CA; five grandchildren, Katelyn Huddle, Alec Huddle, Jacob Vermeulen, Andrew Vermeulen, and Caden Vermeulen; and many extended family and friends.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Tuesday, March 30, 2021, at Stockham Family Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, March 31, at McPherson Cemetery with a Celebration of Life Service to begin at 2:30 PM, Wednesday, at First United Methodist Church, McPherson. In honor of Karl, the family encourages attendees to wear their favorite T-shirt.

To view a livestream broadcast of the funeral service, click here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5cflDseXQI-X9a0PFSMh0Q/

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to McPherson Arts Alliance or Elyria Christian School in care of Stockham Family Funeral Home, 205 North Chestnut, McPherson, KS 67460. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Karl R. Matz please visit our Sympathy Store.