Glenn Matl
June 24, 2017
Obituary
Glenn James Matl, 91, of Shullsburg passed away June 24, 2017 at his home. He was born on February 20, 1926 to John and Mabel James Matl. He graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1944. Glenn served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery in Germany from 1944-1946.Glenn attended Wisconsin State University-Stout, majoring in trade and industrial education. He taught woodworking and refinishing at Beloit Vocational and Adult School for 9 years. When he returned to Shullsburg, Glenn opened a woodworking shop on Water St. He prepared the plans for and helped construct the American Legion building. The beautiful woodworking in the Brewster Cafe and Cheese Store and in the Centenary United Methodist Church are Glenn's handiwork. There are many other examples of Glenn's gift for carpentry throughout the area.Glenn married the love of his life and soulmate, Francis Stuempfl Sefton, in 1973. He became the beloved father to Fran's 4 children: Marlene (Ken) Kaja of Milwaukee, WI; Rosemarie Sefton of Huntington, WV; Robert (Sue) Sefton of Raleigh, NC; and William (Donna) Sefton of Blue Mounds, WI. Glenn had 11 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great grandchildren. Glen is also survived by two nieces: Jean and Martha Hodge; and one nephew Jim Hodge. Glenn was preceded in death by his father and mother John and Mabel Matl; wife Fran Matl; and sister Doris Matl Hodge.Glenn was the founder and first president of the Badger Historical Society and of the Shullsburg Schools Alumni Association. Glenn and Fran inventoried all of the cemeteries in Lafayette County and indexed all the vital (birth, marriage, death) records by computer. Lafayette County was the first county in Wisconsin to have a searchable electronic vital records database. He and Fran actively supported the Shullsburg library and were enthusiastic genealogists. Glenn was a member of the American Legion Post 105 in Shullsburg for over 70 years and of Centenary United Methodist Church all his life. A visitation celebrating Glenn's life will be held on Monday, July 10, 2017 from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. at the Erickson Funeral Home (235 N Judgement St, Shullsburg.) His memorial service will be held on Friday, July 28, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. at Centenary United Methodist Church (226 W. Church Street, Shullsburg) with Rev. Stanton Bockwoldt officiating, followed by burial of his ashes and those of his beloved wife Fran in the Evergreen Cemetery in Shullsburg where military graveside rites will be accorded by McCann-Richards American Legion Post #105 in Shullsburg. A light supper will follow the service.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Centenary United Methodist Church or American Legion Post 105 in Shullsburg.
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Memories
DP
Dennis Pahnke
Other •
A master craftsman who taught me a lot about woodworking when we were building our aframe house in Shullsburg, he was very patient and made every effort to show me good ways to build things which I will always remember. RIP Dennis Pahnke
PA
Peggy Ahlstrom
Other •
Going to miss you so much Glenn, Give Fran a hug from us, we will always miss and love you and Fran, Love Peg and Don
BS
Bob Sefton
Other •
RIP Glenn......... you were a kind gentle person who showed great wisdom, compassion and the patience of a saint. You were a teacher, a veteran, a craftsman and a special leader. You have gained enormous respect from others and lived your life as a model citizen for others to learn from your example. You always gave of yourself and expected nothing in return. Most of all you were a special part of our family and will be missed. May the blessings of the Lord be with you in your glorious new journey and reunion with others who have gone before you. With love Bob Sefton and family.
MG
Mary Gensler
Other •
Glenn and his brother-in-law, Harry Hodge, skillfully brought major improvements to the old farmhouse my parents and family moved when I was in 6th grade. The beautiful kitchen and dining room became the center of all family life, meals, homework, pets, celebrations, etc. Whatever Glenn did, he did well. I got to know Glenn better when he asked me to help with the start of the Alumni Association. I didn't tell him at the time, but it sounded like an impossibly big task. Never underestimate that quiet determination, dedication and persistence. Glenn was a keen observer of human nature and enjoyed a droll sense of humor, too. I will wish him very much. MAG
RS
Rose Sefton
Other •
Dear Dad.... no, I won't say step-father. You were/are/will always be my father. You have no idea how much you have influenced me and my children. When you and mother were married, she absolutely sparkled in your presence. She was overcome with joy. In her sad passing, you were the one she said she would miss... You are an angel. I love you and will continue to miss you but now that you are together, you can embrace for all eternity. I take peace and comfort in the fact that you two are now reunited. Dance in God's Love. I have been honored to be your daughter.
MK
Marlene Kaja
Other •
Marlene Kaja Dear Glenn You were the sweetest most gentle soft spoken man.. I can see why my mother fell in love with you. She was so happy when you two married. You will surely be missed and in our thought all the time. We all loved you.