Robert M. Matz

Robert Milton Matz, age 93 of Cozad, passed away on October 5, 2014 at Golden Living Center in Cozad. Bob was born in Cozad on April 10, 1921 to Walter and Elsa (Huenefeldt) Matz. The family, including a sister Carol, resided on the “Matz Hill”, 8 miles north of Cozad. He attended country school north of Cozad and graduated from Cozad High School in 1938. Bob was part of the Cozad High School livestock judging team, along with Joe Allen and Wayne Bartlett, that won the Western Nebraska Livestock Judging contest 3 consecutive years, 1936-1938, one of the very few schools to win the award for consecutive years. Robert enlisted in the U.S. Army on Oct. 9, 1942 and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ until he was discharged in August 1943. Bob returned to Cozad where he became a business partner with Joe Fiebig, buying and selling used cars and trucks at the Cozad Car Market. He frequently told the story about how he was a partner with Joe on two separate occasions and they never had anything in writing. On May 15, 1948 he married Betty (York) Matz. They continued to operate the Cozad Car Market selling GMC pick-ups and trucks with Betty serving as the book-keeper. In 1967 he closed the Cozad Car Market and focused on raising cattle. He always loved to "buy and sell or trade” and even while raising cattle he found time to deal in stock trailers, tires, and a wide variety of other goods. In 1980, he retired from raising cattle and became a cattle buyer for different feeders and feedlots. Bob thoroughly enjoyed attending cattle auctions and auctions of any kind where he had many friends. He was an avid collector of antique tools especially antique wrenches as well as Indian rugs and jewelry. Bob was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and a 50-year member of the Cozad Volunteer Fire Department. In retirement Bob and Betty enjoyed traveling, especially to Santa Fe each year for the Indian Market and to Phoenix to visit Betty’s sister, Mary Lou Kuhlman and her husband Herb. Bob is survived by his wife Betty of Cozad; one son Gary (Lynette) Matz of Alexandria, VA; grandsons David (Kara) Matz of Larchmont, NY and Andy (Brooke Kassner) Matz of Washington, D.C.; various nephews and nieces including Carl York of Cozad, Nancy Kopf of Lexington and Paul (Janice) Grizzell of Woodbury, MN; and very special friend/helper, John Focthman of Cozad. Bob was preceded in death by his parents; and sister Carol. Services will be held Thursday, October 9, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the Cozad United Methodist Church with Pastor Doug Smith officiating. Burial with military honors will be at the Cozad Cemetery. Visitation will be Wednesday from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Berryman Funeral Home and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at the church , the casket will be closed. A memorial has been established in his memory. Online condolences may be shared at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Berryman Funeral Home in Cozad is in charge of arrangements.