Harold "Matt" Mattmiller

Not one big on conversation, Harold “Matt” Mattmiller, Jr. was a quiet type of guy who enjoyed the company of family and good friends. Although he possessed these qualities, stating that he was merely competitive would be quite an understatement. In fact, when describing Matt, it could be said that he was a fierce opponent who placed his heart and soul into everything he did. A hard working man who loved the simple things in life, Matt found joy riding one of his Harley’s on the open road, taking part in a fishing tournament, or enjoying time with family while playing a good game of Uno. Although his time among us ended abruptly, the love and support Matt put forth in all that he did will remain a treasure.

The 1950s marked a quieter time full of hope and promise in the U.S. The post World War II baby boom continued as families moved to newly formed suburbs across America. Even so, the days were also clouded with the Korean War overseas. A most welcome event in the lives of Harold, Sr. and Maxine (Chrispell) Mattmiller included the healthy birth of their first child, a son they named Harold Mattmiller, Jr. on February 28, 1951. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, young Harold grew up with his younger sister Becky while in the loving care of their mother who remained at home as a homemaker. His father provided for their family with his work at General Motors.

Due to his last name, Harold picked up the name “Matt” at an early age by many who knew him. Although a quiet kid, Matt enjoyed many friends in high school and played the trumpet in the school band. One of his first jobs included a position as a caddy at one of the local golf courses. When Matt was 16, the family packed up and headed for Michigan when his dad’s job was transferred to Kalamazoo. The family settled in nearby Vicksburg where Matt completed his high school education. Following graduation, Matt joined the U.S. Army, serving as a cook. At one point he was stationed in Italy, and loved the old castles and time spent there. Although a brief marriage during this time later ended in divorce for Matt, he became the father to his daughter Theresa through this relationship.

Matt lived in Tennessee for a short time after his discharge from the service and eventually moved back home to the Kalamazoo area. Before long he began working at General Motors in the very plant his father worked. Matt remained at GM for the next 30 years before eventually taking an early retirement.

Some say love comes along when you least expect it. In a passing moment, Matt found love again when he coincidently met Karen Kramer. As Matt drove by Karen walking along the roadside late one night after her car broke down, Matt turned his car around to offer help. And like the gentleman he was, Matt gave her a ride home. For Matt and Karen, talking came easy, and the conversation flowed. Quite taken with Karen, Matt asked her out a few days later. They began dating and as their relationship progressed, the pair soon found themselves in love. They were married on March 24, 1988 and spent a memorable honeymoon fishing together in Tennessee.

Along with his new wife, Matt also cared a great deal for Karen’s daughter, Robin, and was a wonderful father figure for her. Later, when Robin and Tim were married and had children of their own, he became an amazing grandfather also. TJ and Megan created a soft spot in Matt’s heart and they remained very special to him. As a family, they shared much and went through much together. He loved his family dearly and was the solid foundation they needed. They recently began enjoying family Uno nights together and their games always went well until Matt began to lose as his competitive nature usually got the best of him.

Matt had many interests but the love he had for fishing and hunting remained at the top. His involvement in numerous fishing tournaments took him to many places and he enjoyed it immensely. With the open road under his boots, Matt loved riding his Harley-Davidson’s. With two Harley’s and a Chopper to enjoy, Matt loved the thrill and freedom it gave him. In fact, he began collecting Harley-Davidson t-shirts and often wore them. A regular meat and potatoes guy, Matt loved venison, especially if it had been one he caught. In his free time, Matt tinkered around with the computer and liked playing games on his Wii.

Aside from his love of motorcycles, Matt also had a soft spot for all animals too, especially German Shepherds. His favorites that he proudly called his pets were Harley, Hazel and Scooter. He also found room for a Beagle named Candy. Beyond his dogs, Matt also had a couple of cats, Rascal and Boomer that were very dear to him as well.

Even though Matt took an early retirement from GM, he needed to keep busy and worked various jobs just to do so. He most recently began hauling trailers cross country. It was while hauling a load just outside Jamestown, North Dakota with his brother-in-law and friend Bill McGehee when a tragic accident claimed both of their lives on Tuesday, March 16, 2010. Matt recently turned 59 and Bill would have been 56 at the end of the month.

Although this tragedy came abruptly and unexpectedly, there is comfort in the fact that Matt lived life fully with the love of family and the many things he enjoyed. He leaves numerous memories to be cherished and will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. He will be dearly missed and remembered.

Matt’s family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 from 4-7 PM at the Life Story Funeral Home, 409 S. Main St., Vicksburg (649-1697). There will be a graveside service at a later date. Matt’s family includes his wife, Karen; daughters, Robin (Tim) Pool of Vicksburg and Theresa Mattmiller of Pullman; four grandchildren with two special grandchildren, TJ and Megan; his mother, Maxine Mattmiller of Three Rivers; his sister, Becky McGehee of Portage; a sister-in-law, Nancy Hiemstra of Vicksburg; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and granddaughter, Brittany. Please visit Matt’s memory page at www.lifestorynet.com where you can sign his memory book online before coming to the funeral home or make a memorial donation to Rose Arbor Hospice.