John Anthony Matko
John Anthony Matko, 75, of Fayal Township, died Friday, February 18, 2011 at Essentia Health, St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth as a result of complications following a 37 year battle with M.S.
He was born on March 12, 1935, in Virginia, MN to John and Inez (Tini) Matko. In 1955, he married Delores Pouchnik. They made their home on Long Lake in Fayal Township.
John shared many talents and interests. He was an accomplished musician, scuba diver, avid outdoorsman and small plane pilot. He enjoyed deer and small game hunting. He also enjoyed trapping and fishing in Canadian waters. As a teenager, he guided for Dorothy Molter in the Boundary Waters on Knife Lake. John was a member of Frank A. Mancina Council #2583 Knights of Columbus, the Northern Club and Son’s of Italy. He worked as a plumber & pipefitter and sawyer owning and operating his saw mill.
He is survived by his wife, Delores and children, Sheryl (Steve) Raad of Eveleth, David (Janet) Matko of Austin, Texas and Daniel (Carole) Matko of Richfield, MN; four grandchildren, Nicholas (Jessica) Raad, Rebecca (Peter) Waldorf, Anthony Matko, Joseph Matko and three great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Inez Matko, step-mother, Edith Matko and numerous aunts and uncles.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00 a.m., Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Resurrection Catholic Church in Eveleth. Fr. Charles Flynn will celebrate. Visitation will be one hour before services at the church. Interment will be in Eveleth Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the M.S. Society. To sign the guest book online and to leave a memorial message, go to: www.cron-sheehy.com.
