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Matthew Leo Huels, Sr passed from this earth to a greater reward on July 24, 2018 weeks after celebrating his 88th birthday. He was born on July 9, 1930 to Paul and Lizzie (Hempen) Huels, the seventh of 8 children.
He met his sweetheart Rita Froelich when she was 13 enjoying the next 75 years with her. They married on September 3, 1956 and were blessed with 7 children: Thomas, Janet, Paul (Karen), Mary Jo (David), Matthew Jr, William (Cathy), and Diane (Nicholas); 13 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren: Jason (fiancée Joni): Easton, Julie (Jason): Isabella, Leo, Silas, Elsie, Samuel, Jeremiah, James; Amy (Vito): Laya, Isaac and Elijah; Nick (Ashley): Jayce and Jaxson; Erin (Eric): Alan and Madeline, Joy (fiancée Brandon), Adam (girlfriend Zoë), Jacob (girlfriend Amanda), Angela, Hazel, Owen, Max, Hayden.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lizzie (Hempen); siblings: Sr Joette, Louis, Kate von Hatten (Adolph), Carl (Helen), Paul (Aggie), Olive Becker (Ed), in laws, Florence (Wittenbrink) and Isidore Froelich, Mary Mueller (John), and Cathy Schultz.
Matt is survived by his brother Eddie Joe (Nancy) and in laws Betty Huels, Joe and Pat Froelich, Ed and Sal Froelich, and Don Schultz.
Matt was born on the family farm that he and Rita have owned since 1969. He left the family farm to serve in the United States Air Force and then became an electrician with Super Electric in Chicago. He was foreman of many jobs and loved to tell his stories. We all know there were many! Matt recently gleamed with pride as he told his grandson he was brought in by Campbell’s Soup in 1958 to fix an electrical issue at the company’s second oldest factory. He was as sharp as a tack to the end; running his farm with his family, mowing the grass, playing pinochle, rooting on his Cubbies and praying the rosary. He took the farm to the next level with his No-till beans and raising his Belgian horses. He was a devoted husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa and friend. His paradise was being with his family on the farm and he lived there til his death, thanks to his beloved wife, Rita.
His family was at his side in his last days and hour literally ushering him up to a better place that we call heaven. His presence on this earth was felt and will continue to be so forever!
Please join us on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Carlyle, IL. Father George and Father Buerster will celebrate mass in Matt’s memory at noon. After this celebration, please join us at the Carlyle Knights of Columbus Hall for a reception and luncheon. No flowers please. If you choose to donate, our wishes are to give to the DESC (515 North 3rd St. Seattle, WA 98104, www.desc.org) in Matt’s memory. Matt Jr has been served by this amazing nonprofit organization in Seattle for 20 Years. We are grateful for their help with the homeless and the mentally challenged. Unfortunately, he will not be able to share in his father’s farewell. Thank you, Rita |