Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Matt L. Novacich

HURLEY, Wis. - Matt L. Novacich, 94, of Ironwood, passed away Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2020, in Hurley.

He was born Dec. 13, 1925, in Ironwood, son of Peter and Theresa (Vlasich) Novacich. He attended Newport School and graduated from Luther L. Wright High School in 1944. He then entered the U.S. Army, proudly serving his country in Europe during World War II.

Upon his discharge, Matt worked for Chrysler Corp. in Detroit for a short time before returning to Ironwood where he was employed in the Geneva Mine and later at White Pine Copper Co. for many years until his retirement in 1987.

Matt married Blanche Kowaleski, and they were married for 65 years. Blanche preceded him in death on Oct. 27, 2017.

Matt enjoyed being outside, gardening, and watching the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Tigers. He loved being with his grandchildren, and they would always find something to laugh about and have some fun. He was a member of the former Holy Trinity Catholic Church and current member of Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Ironwood.

Besides his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by brothers, Paul, George, Frank and Donald; sisters, Ann Myers and Mary Maki; and nephews, Gordon Maki, Michael Mesich and Jonathan Kowaleski.

Matt is survived by two daughters, Sandy (Mike) Patrick and Jerri (Robert) Hamen, both of Ironwood; grandchildren, Casey Hamen of Oak Park, Illinois, Katie Hamen of Ironwood, and Nik Patrick of Green Bay; a sister, Kathleen "Katy" Hudacek of Ironwood; and several nieces and nephews.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, private family graveside services and interment will be held in Riverside Cemetery, Ironwood, in the spring.

Matt's family will be forever grateful to the staff at Sky View Nursing Center for the care Matt and Blanche received. You all went above and beyond to care for them and were an extension of our family. Dad always had an ample supply of peanut butter cups.

The family has chosen McKevitt-Patrick Funeral Home of Ironwood to honor Matt's legacy of life. You can leave a condolence or a tribute at mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com.