Michael "Cochise" Matuszak

Michael Matuszak of Caro, age 69, passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2013 at Select Specialty Hospital in Saginaw. He was born March 22, 1944 in Bay City, the son of the late Stephen and Patricia (Litt) Matuszak. Mike was a lifelong resident of Caro, attending Caro High School and was a member of the Catholic Faith. . He enlisted in the U.S. Navy Reserve and served aboard the U.S.S. Wasp (CUS-18) during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Upon his return from the service, he went to work at G.M. in Flint, retiring in 1995 after thirty years of service. He also farmed during this time with his father and brothers. For a period of time he owned the Stagecoach Inn in Mt. Morris. He was united in marriage with Gaylene (Urban) Wright, and she preceded him in death. He then married Linda Heard on July 21, 1984, and she survives him. Mikes' fraternal life involved numerous activities with the Loyal Order of Moose, Lodge 1049 where he served in many capacities, including twice as Governor. He was also a member of the Caseville Eagles and enjoyed going to casinos. He had a love for the out of doors, hunting, fishing, farming, and working on his home. Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; five children, Eric Matuszak, Richard Matuszak, Stephen & Annie Matuszak, all of Caro, Mariann Matuszak of Flint, Alyssa Zacharias of Caro; twelve grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; his siblings, Victor & Rosemary Matuszak of Caro, Connie & Mike Enos of Bay City, Harold & Alma Matuszak of Caro, Anne & Tom Dunham of Caro, Jim & Julie Matuszak of Caro; his mother-in-law, Patricia Heard of Caro; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Gary Zacharias; a niece, Christina Groombridge; his father-in-law, Robert Heard; and a brother-in-law, Michael Heard. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro with Rev. John Ladd officiating. Burial will follow at Ellington Township Cemetery, with military honors being afforded by Caro V.F.W. Post #4164 and the U.S. Navy. The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Caro Moose Lodge Scholarship Fund. Visitation Information Date: Thursday, April 18, 2013 Time: 4:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Ransford Collon Funeral Home Address: 989-673-2175 | Map The family will receive friends at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home on Thursday from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Friday, April 19, 2013 Time: 11:00 am St. Christopher Parish, Sacred Heart Campus Address: 140 Atwood Street Caro, MI 48723 989-673-2346 | Map Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, April 19, 2013 at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Caro with Rev. John Ladd officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Friday, April 19, 2013 Ellington Township Cemetery Caro, Michigan 48723