Matthew L. Nozicka

Matthew L. Nozicka, 79, of Stevensville peacefully passed away on Wednesday, February 27, 2013 at Caretel Inns of Lakeland. He was born on June 27, 1933 in Chicago, IL to Mathew and Bessie (Jansky) Nozicka. He graduated from Stevensville High School in 1952 where he played basketball and was a member of the track team. He was inducted into the Lakeshore Hall of Fame. Matthew bowled in several leagues and tournaments, and was inducted in the American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame. Matt served four years in the Air Force being sent to Korea. After leaving the service, he then graduated from Michigan State University. He was employed at Clark Equipment in Benton Harbor, MI and later at VME Corp. in Ohio where he retired. He enjoyed coaching Little League Baseball and bowling. In his spare time he liked working in his garden. He volunteered several years as a tax preparer at the St. Joseph Lincoln Senior Center. Matthew will be greatly missed by his wife, Joan (Holtz); son Gregory (Karen) Nozicka of Portage, MI and their daughter Rena Umlor of Bridgman, MI; two grandchildren Jaden Matthew and Rachel Faye Nozicka; his brother Edward (Margie) Nozicka of Stevensville, MI; and many nieces and nephews. Matthew was preceded in death by his parents, and three brothers, Gerald of Chicago, IL, Robert of Berrien Springs, MI and Joseph of Indiantown, FL. Visitation will be at Starks Funeral Home, 2650 Niles Rd., in St. Joseph, MI from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. Friday, March 1, 2013. After visitation, a chapel service will be conducted with Fr. James Morris officiating followed by the burial which will take place at the Hickory Bluff Cemetery, Cleveland Avenue, in Stevensville, MI. Memorials can be made in lieu of flowers to St. Joseph Catholic Building Fund, St. Joseph-Lincoln Senior Citizen Center, or Masses. Those wishing to share a memory of Matthew online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Matt was loved by all who knew him. His kindness and love of life was reflected in all that he did. His strong commitment to the Lord guided his life. He leaves us with this legacy and we know Heaven will be his home.