(Veteran)

Anton H. Matzen, 82

Anton H. Matzen, 82, of Bennington, died Thursday, August 8, 2002, in Omaha.

Funeral services were held Monday, Aug. 15, at the American Legion Hall in Bennington with the Rev. John Pierson officiating. Military honors were provided by American Legion Post No. 266 of Bennington. Interment was in the German Cemetery.

Anton Harry Matzen was born Dec. 16, 1919, near Blair, to Emil and Olivia (Christ) Matzen. He grew up on the family farm near Kennard and attended Brewster Grade School and Kennard High School. Like many farm children, much of his free time was spent helping with the chores around the farm. Entertainment was limited to the 6 children amusing themselves.

On March 31, 1941, he married Lorene Christensen in Blair. The couple had two children, Charles Anton, who died at birth, and Patty Ann.

Mr. Matzen was called to serve in the U.S. Army during World War II from June, 1942, to October, 1945. During that time, he was stationed in France and, as a gunner with the Tank Division, he encountered a great deal of combat, including the Battle of the Bulge. He was wounded during service, and received a Purple Heart.

Upon his return from the service, he continued his life-long avocation of farming. The couple made their home on her family’s farmstead, where they would remain for the rest of their lives.

Mr. Matzen enjoyed bowling, fishing, pitching horseshoes, shooting blue rock, and playing pitch, but he especially enjoyed the gathering of family at their farm for large picnics. He is remembered for being quick with a joke, and always looking on the bright side of any situation. He was an active member of American Legion Post 266 in Bennington, and V.F.W. Post No. 2503 in Benson.

He is survived by his wife, Lorene; son-in-law, Dwight Hageman, and wife, Carolyn, of Newberg, Ore.; two granddaughters; one great-grandson; brother, Clarence Matzen, and sisters, Katherine Koenig and Clara Wehrbein, all of Blair.

He was preceded in death by his son, Charles Anton, daughter, Patty Ann Hageman, seven brothers and five sisters.

Hadan-Golden-Reichmuth Mortuary in Bennington was in charge of arrangements.

#2 World Herald 11 Aug 2002

(veteran)

MATZEN- Anton “Tony”, age 82 yrs., Bennington, NE. Preceded in death by daughter, Patty Ann; son, Charles Anton. Survived by wife, Lorene; son-in-law, Dwight Hageman and wife, Carolyn, Newberg, OR; granddaughters, Karen DePriest, Hillsboro, OR, Ginger Hageman, Calif.; great-grandson, Bently; brother, Clarence, Blair; sisters, Katherine Koenig, Blair, Clara Wehrbeing, Blair.

VISITATION Sun. Noon-8 pm at the Funeral Home. Funeral Mon. 10:30 am, American Legion Hall, Bennington, NE. Interment German Cemetery, Military Honors by American Legion Post #266, Bennington. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Cemetery, American Legion Post #266 or Bennington Senior Center.

Hadan-Golden-Reichmuth, Bennington, NE 238-2291

#3 Funeral Leaflet

In Remembrance Anton H. Matzen

Birth: December 16, 1919 Blair, Nebraska ~ Death: August 8, 2002 Omaha, Nebraska

Service 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 12, 2002 American Legion Hall, Bennington, Nebraska. Minister: Reverend John Pierson. Music by John Pierson. Music Selection: “The Old Rugged Cross” Pallbearers: LaVerne Bohuslavsky, Darwin Borchers, Jim Fedde, Gary Lambrecht, Donnie Lambrecht, Larry Rybin, Roger Rybin

Interment: German Cemetery, Bennington, Nebraska.

Military Honors by American Legion Post #266 Bennington, Nebraska

~~~ Obituary and funeral leaflet courtesy of Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings and leaflets on file in the Blair Public Library at Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave # 102307831