Tommy was born on March 9, 1924, in Boyne Falls, the son of Thomas E. Sr. and Jennie (Votruba) Matelski.

He was unique in so many ways; he was cranky, but oh so kind, too. Tommy was born to be a dairy farmer. He loved his cows and called them by name. There were cats and chickens everywhere and at times it was hard to even walk across the yard. Tommy farmed the land that was left to him by his father.

"Blow sand" is what everyone called the fields, but Tommy made them eat their words as his crops of corn and hay were amazing. He had several helpers on the farm, starting out with his two special nephews, Billy and Jerry, but there were many more to come as the years went by. This was especially true when it came time to bale hay. Tommy was so visible and everyone from the area knew him as he rode his John Deere tractor down the middle of the road to get to the fields to work. Reading was a huge part of his life and he had a memory like a steel trap.

He used it to make conversation with whoever happened to stop by. Boy, the stories that he could tell you. In his spare time, he was sexton for the St. Augustine Church Cemetery while also selling and placing headstone. The highlight of his later years was being "honored citizen" in the Polish Festival's parade. He even hosted several rodeos on his property for the festival. Although illness slowed him a little the past few years, God sent him a doctor named "Cathy," to give him some renewed spirit. He still had more than 50 head of cattle to attend to with the help of his friend, Keith, till just a month ago. Working hard came easy to him, but Tommy always made time for church on Sundays.

God blessed us with his presence and he will be greatly missed. We will always love you, Tommy. God speed.

He is survived by his brother, William J. (Verna) Matelski Sr.; sister, Grace (Bob) Wride; nephews, William J. Matelski Jr., Gerald (Brenda) Matelski and Ronald (Carol) Kaminski; nieces, Eileen Heible and Karen Lynn; greatnephews, Nathan Matelski, Adam Matelski, Brent Matelski, Mike Heible, Mark Heible, Avan Lynn and Joey Kaminski; great-nieces Nicole Matelski, Christy Heible, Kassie Matelski, Kim Kaminski and Emily Lynn; greatgreat-nieces, Emma and Lily Matelski.

Tommy is preceded in death by his parents and great nephew, Gerald Matelski.

A vigil service was held Wednesday, Jan. 24, at St. Augustine Church in Boyne Falls, and a funeral mass was held Thursday, Jan. 25, at the church.

Fr. Duane Wachowiak served as celebrant.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed a scholarship fund tobe established in Tommy's name, c/o William Matelski, Sr. Burial will take place at St. Augustine Catholic Cemetery in Boyne Falls.

Stackus Funeral Home of Boyne City is serving the family.