Steve M. Matosich
Steve Matosich, 82, passed away on Independence Day, July 4, 2007, at the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
Steve was born in Opportunity on Aug. 29, 1924, to Matthew and Mary Matosich, one of 13 children. After graduating from Anaconda High School in 1943, he enlisted in the Army and served his country in World War II, receiving the Purple Heart for wounds sustained during the invasion of Okinawa, Japan.
After convalescing in California, Steve returned to Montana. He married Shirley Nadeau in 1948, whom he had known since high school in Anaconda.
Steve graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's in history and the social sciences in 1949, and he and Shirley moved to Grass Range, where he accepted his first teaching position.
He taught briefly in Lewistown before moving to Whitefish in 1952, after earning his master's degree from the University of Montana. Steve taught and was principal at the Whitefish Junior High School from 1952 to 1969, when he became principal of the newly constructed Granville Stuart School in Deer Lodge.
While in Deer Lodge, he and Shirley began building their dream home on Swan Lake. Side-by-side, they worked on the construction themselves, and then retired there in 1981.
Steve and Shirley were blessed with seven children. For years, they enjoyed trips to visit their children for celebrations and good times together.
Throughout his life, Steve was active in a number of organizations, including the Knights of Columbus, Kiwanis, Elks, Jaycees, AARP and the Montana Retired Teachers. He was passionately committed to positive changes in education.
Steve enjoyed playing the guitar and singing for special occasions. He loved dancing with his wife, so it was only natural that they became regulars at the Bigfork Inn, where they enjoyed the sounds of the Company Brass Band and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. Over the years, they enjoyed many endearing relationships with neighbors, teachers and fellow members of organizations.
He was an excellent horseshoe player and golfer. He had an active role in construction of the golf courses in Whitefish and Eagle Bend in Bigfork. He also was an avid fly fisherman, hunter and outdoorsman, raising his children to love and respect nature.
Steve was an extraordinary man of integrity and a loving brother, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and friend. He led by example, teaching and inspiring wisdom in the many lives of those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was preceded in death by his infant daughter Stephanie; his parents; his sisters Petra, Mae, Rose and Vera; and his brothers Pete, Ted, Mike, Matt, Jiggs and Eli.
He is survived by his wife Shirley; sons Steve, Michael and Andrew; daughters Linda, Michele, Nanice and Paula; daughters-in-law, Debi Matosich and Bonnie Matosich; sons-in-law Mike Crowley, Martin Sago and John Zimmerman; brother Joe; sister Velma Jean; 18 grandchildren; 18 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Services to honor his memory were held July 7, 2007, at St. Peter's Catholic Church in Anaconda, followed by graveside service.
The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Montana Veterans Home at 400 Veterans Drive in Columbia Falls, MT 59912, in memory of Steve M. Matosich.