Matthew Stanley Szkopiec was born on March 25, 1933, in East Chicago (Indiana Harbor), Indiana to Wincenty and Mary Szkopiec and passed away on October 22, 2024 in Holland, Michigan at the age of 91. Matthew graduated from East Chicago Washington High School in 1951. He proudly served in the United States Navy and was a member of the USS Everglades (AD24) Association and the USS Cony (DDE508) Association. Matthew later attended Hammond Business College in Indiana. After moving to Fennville, MI, he was active in the Michigan Association of Retired School Teachers Personnel, serving as Membership Chairman and Online Facilitator. He also belonged to the Evergreen Commons Senior Center and the UAW 709 Retirees. Matthew was a member of the Ganges United Methodist Church in Fennville, MI and served on various board offices.
On May 8, 1976, Matthew married Eleanor Harbeck in Dorr, MI. They resided in Fennville, MI until moving to Holland, MI in February 2000. After retiring from Rockwell International in Allegan, MI, Matthew completed 54 credit hours in computer science at Davenport College in Grand Rapids, MI. Matthew enjoyed working on his computers and helping others with theirs. He enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and to Canada and Lima, Peru visiting family.
Matthew was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor (Harbeck) and previous wife, Lucille; his infant son, John; sisters, Sophie (special brother-in-law, Steve Blahunka) and Victoria (Don Cleland); and brothers, Joseph (Doreen) and Edward (Wilma). He is survived by his friend, Mary Duren; son, John (Brenda) of New York State; six grandchildren, one great-grandson; one stepdaughter; four step-grandchildren; six step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at Resthaven Care Center, Holland, for their kindness and compassionate care.
The family will receive friends at Ganges United Methodist Church, 2218 68th Street, Fennville, MI 49408, on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM and a funeral service will begin at 1:00 PM. Matthew will be laid to rest immediately following in Taylor Cemetery, Ganges Township. Memorial contributions may be made to Boys and Girls Club of Greater Holland, 435 Van Raalte Avenue, Holland, MI 49423, https://bgch.org/; or Evergreen Commons, 480 State Street, Holland, MI 49423, https://www.evergreencommons.org/donate. Chappell Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
