ROCHELLE – Thad Matychowiak, 96, of Rochelle, formerly of Mount Morris. passed away Monday, Nov. 26, 2018 in Rochelle Community Hospital. Born April 12, 1922 in Pinckneyville, Ill., the son of Thaddeus and Ida (Kellerman) Matychowiak.

Thad farmed near Mendota with his father until 1972, when he moved to Loveland, Colo., to care for his parents. He owned and operated Kelim Maintenance in Kelim, Colo., from 1972-1993, and then operated machine shops in Chana and Mount Morris. Thad officially retired on Dec. 31, 2015 and moved to San Gabriel Assisted Living, now Hawthorn Inn of Rochelle, in July 2016. He thoroughly enjoyed visiting with his customers, who he considered friends. Thad was a member of St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon.

Survived by his nieces and nephews: Marilyn (Bill) Ellerby of Sandwich, Mark (Becky) Miller of Dixon, Father Marty Miller of Pittsburgh, Pa., Will (Diane) Miller of Glen Ellyn and Eden Matychowiak of Calif.; a great-niece and two great-nephews, Libby (Jon) Aubry of South Bend, Ind., and Evan and Dawson Miller of Glen Ellyn; and brother, Tom (Carol Penn) Matychowiak of Brookings, Ore.

Preceded in death by his parents; brother, Francis; and sister, Lucille Miller.

A Funeral Mass was held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 1 in St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon with Rev. Joseph P. Naill officiating. Interment followed in St. Mary Cemetery, Oregon. Visitation was from 9-10 a.m. at Farrell-Holland-Gale Funeral Home, Oregon prior to the funeral on Saturday. Memorials in Thad's name may be made to St. Mary Catholic Church, Oregon. Thad's family would like to express special gratitude to the staffs at Hawthorn Inn Assisted Living and Rochelle Community Hospital.