Steve Matz

STEVE P. MATZ

1943 ~ 2021

Magna, UT -- Steve passed peacefully on October 25th at the age of 78 from the effects of mesothelioma. He was a New Year’s baby, born in Denver, Colorado on January 1, 1943. Steve spent only a short time in Colorado before moving to Garfield, Utah where he enjoyed scouring the north facing mountains that looked down on the town. As a young teenager the family moved to Magna, Utah. This is ultimately where Steve called home, settling in Magna after marrying his high school sweetheart, Karen Brems. He graduated from Cyprus High School and hired on at Kennecott Copper Corporation and became a journeyman electrician. He was elected as a Union President and assisted with negotiations to continue to improve the pay, safety and benefits of the workers. He retained that position for 12 years.  He left KCC after 34 years and hired on as an electrician at the University of Utah, staying 11 years before retiring at age 62. Steve was an exceptional electrician. He was really good at being able to decipher the more challenging problems. Steve’s philosophy on life was one of kindness, acceptance and forgiveness. He was known for his patience, an exceptional ability to listen, and showed kindness to everyone. While anger rarely flared in him, he despised prejudice and injustice and was ready to take a stand when he witnessed it. Friends and family often told him that he taught them what it means to be a good man, father and husband. Anyone who knew Steve recognized family was everything. He loved them fiercely and passionately. He would trade shifts at work so that he never missed athletic or dance events his daughters participated. He raised them to believe they were capable, and could truly do anything they set their minds to. Steve had a passion for history, particularly WWII and Civil War and really enjoyed writing poems and stories. Several poems and short stories were published in numerous publications. He eventually wrote seven unpublished books. Steve loved adventure. His love for the outdoors, fly fishing, camping, boating, hunting, water and snow skiing, spawned a myriad of family trips throughout the state and across the country. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in his early 60’s, met the challenge, and never let it define him. His innate humor and frequent jokes remained consistent throughout his life, even after being diagnosed with mesothelioma. His life was defined by integrity, principles, and strong values that afforded compassion, kindness and love for all. Steve truly was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. He was admired for the man he was, deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Steve is preceded in death by his father Sydney Matz, mother Esther (Ewing) Matz, sister Charlene (Matz) Holman, and grandson Tyler Daugherty. He is survived by his wife Karen (Brems) Matz, daughters Samantha (Shawn McPherron) Madsen, Toni (Matz) Daugherty, Patricia (Greg) Underwood, grandsons Dawson, Brendon and Chandler Daugherty and Austin and Kaden Underwood, and sister Cheri (Matz) Hudgens.

Steve will be interred at Pleasant Green Cemetery, 9200 W. 3500 S. in Magna at noon on Tuesday, November 2nd with a celebration of life to follow from 5 to 8 pm at the Webster Center, 8952 W. Magna Main Street. In lieu of flowers or plants the family requests donations to a Parkinson’s or Mesothelioma research foundation.