Gaylord Matti

Madison - Gaylord Eugene Matti, age 89, passed away Thursday, August 7th, 2014. Gaylord was born on December 27th, 1924 to the late Nettie Matti (Kramer) and Harrison Matti. He was born in Glen Haven, WI, but was raised in Eastman, WI. He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School in 1942. He served his country in World War 2 in the Merchant Marine, and later in the U.S. Army. After his war service, he worked for the Cuba Club on University Ave in Madison and later started Gaylord's Catering Service in 1963. He retired in 1983. He spent his time golfing, traveling and playing cribbage. For 26 years, Gaylord and his wife Anne spent their winters in Naples, FL enjoying time with family and their many friends. He was a member of the American Volkssport Association. He traveled across the country and logged 3,500 km walking in 275 different events. An avid cribbage player, Gaylord participated and organized many tournaments for the American Cribbage Congress. He also used his time and talents to support many organizations. He was on the MATC board and president of the East Side Businessmen Association. Gaylord was a generous man, a successful business owner and a devoted husband and father. He was passionate about life and politics. We will miss him terribly.
Gaylord is survived by his wife of 63 years, Anne E. Matti; seven children: Susan (Phil) Schroeder, Steven Matti, Nancy (Steve) Irlbeck, William Matti, Jeff (Kit Hamm) Matti, Jennifer (Mike) Wirth, Christopher Matti; eleven grandchildren: Emily Schroeder, Allison Matti, Bryan (Carly Scheer) Irlbeck, Kevin Irlbeck, Hannah Matti, Nina Matti, Anne Wirth, Madeline Wirth, James Wirth, Kesslyn Matti, Mason Matti; three siblings: Ethel Lorenz, Neal Matti, Sherwood Matti, other relatives and many friends.
Gaylord was preceded in death by his sister Leila Peterson.
Friends may call at The Cress Center (6021 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705) on Monday, August 11th, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. until the Time of Remembrance at 11:30 a.m. A lunch will follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.