Patrick A. Matz

Patrick Allen Matz went to be with his heavenly father on Wednesday, August 24, 2022, at 5:05 pm while admitted to the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Family and friends surrounded Patrick in the last hours of his life.
Patrick was born on October 31, 1950, in Bremerton, Washington, where his grandmother raised him and his younger brother Michael on the Port Madison Reservation, until Rose Marie and her first husband adopted them. He grew up in Arlington, Washington, on the Pot of Gold Farm as a child. He participated in many activities, such as high school band,  4-H, and other farm activities.
At the age of 18, Patrick joined the United States Marine Corps. It was here where he dedicated his life to the service of others. While in the Marine Corps, he provided infantry service. In this unit, he served 2 ½ tours in the Vietnam Conflict. Patrick also participated in the Marine Corps band, one of the highlights of his service in the Marine Corps.
As an adult, Patrick developed a loving, long-lasting relationship with his mother's second husband, John Claybrook.
In 1980 Patrick gave his life to Jesus through friends at work. This decision would have a profound effect on his life.
On March 6, 1982, Patrick married the love of his life, Stephanie Kady. Then, he became a father to Stephanie's two children from her first marriage. Sonya and Duane had a very special place in Patrick's heart. They taught him how to be a father. Together Patrick and Stephanie had three more Children Chelsea, Charlotte, and StephanieDawn.
Through his children's friendships, he would become the father of many others that are now a part of his family.
Patrick had a very close relationship with his sister-in-law Judy Ainsworth. He played a prominent role in assisting her in raising her three children: Anita, Regina, and Lucas.
After retiring from the Marine Corps, Patrick moved back to Washington with his family, where his relationship with Christ deepened.
Patrick had a heart for helping those in need. Many times in his life, he took homeless people into his home to help them get on their feet; he also helped direct a homeless ministry at his church in Everett, Washington.
Patrick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Stephanie Matz. His children: Sonya Nichols, Duane (Suzanne) Hansen, Chelsea (Paul) Winchester, Angie (LA Kendrick) Reed, Charlotte Matz, StephanieDawn (Jacob) Cummins, and Alexis Cisneros. Grandchildren: Stephanie (Micah), Tessa (Noah), Jerad, Michaela, Shane, LaKendrick, LaNaya, Isaiah, Seoyeon,Jada, Anisha, Joseph, Mary, Bianca, and Jaxon. Great-Grandchildren: Renna. Father: John Claybrook, Siblings: Michael (Sue)Matz, Rose Woidtke,  Nieces and Nephews: Anita, Regina, Lucas, Damon, Cassandra, and many others. Great-nieces and nephews: Bessie, Megan, Amelia, Matthew, and Sonali
Proceeded in death by Grandson: Nehemiah Patrick Matz. Grandfather and Grandmother: Bemike. Mother: RoseMarie Claybrook. Siblings: Judy, Rodney, Resee, Bill, and Karen

Memorial service will be 11:00 AM Tuesday, September 6 at Gearty Delmore Park Chapel, 3960 Wooddale Ave S., St. Louis Park, MN, with visitation one hour prior to the service.

Private interment at Fort Snelling National Cemetery.