Earl Thomas Matz, 91, Sturgis, SD, died Friday, October 20, 2006, at his residence.

Visitation will be 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis. Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2006, at the Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis with Rev. Herbert B. Cleveland officiating. Burial follows at the Bear Butte Cemetery in Sturgis.

Earl was born June 3, 1915, at Fort Meade, SD, to Thomas and Edith (Orr) Matz. He grew up on his parents' farm and later farmed nearby. He received his education at Upper Alkali School District #80 and graduated from Sturgis High School with the class of 1934. Due to failing health, he moved to Sturgis in 1947, where he worked as a mechanic and truck driver for Independent Oil Co., Standard Oil Co., and the Ford Motor Company. In 1953, he was employed by the Veterans Administration, and in 1958 he was promoted to Assistant Laundry Manager. In 1965, Earl was promoted to Laundry Plant Manager. Earl was forced to retire in 1977 due to a heart condition. Earl married Edna Marie (Erickson) Culbertson on October 4, 1971, at Las Vegas, Nevada.

He was a member and Past Master of Olive Branch Lodge No. 47 A.F.&A.M. in Sturgis, Dakota Chapter No. 3 Royal Arch Masons in Lead, SD, Black Hills Council No. 3 Royal and Select Masters in Lead, SD, Dakota Commandry Knights Templar No. 1 in Lead, SD, Naja Shrine Temple No. 62, Deadwood, SD, Northern Hills Shrine Club, past member and Past Worthy Patron of Matopaha Chapter No. 98 Order of Eastern Stars.

Memorials have been established to the Shriners Hospital and Hospice of the Northern Hills.

Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Edna Matz, Sturgis, SD; two stepsons, John (Mary) Culbertson, Billings, MT, Robert (Sharon) Culbertson, Spearfish, SD; three stepdaughters, Janis (Allen) Orsborn, Newcastle, WY, Sherrill (Van) Dennis and Karlene (Dwight) Griffee all of Sturgis, SD; 15 stepgrandchildren and 32 stepgreat-grandchildren and one stepgreat-great-granddaughter.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Orville and an adopted daughter, Sandra.