Joseph Peter Matt

Joseph Peter Matt

Cherished and devoted father, grandfather, brother, favorite uncle and friend died age 84 on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at peace and at home, with a beautiful visage of awe, after the agony of a valiant and sudden battle with cancer.

Born June 24, 1941 in Saint Paul, MN, “Peter” to family and friends, was the youngest of six children born to Alphonse J. Matt, Sr. and Loretta Wittman Matt. A 1959 graduate of Cretin HS, his work spanned the railroad, printing, rural newspaper and financial magazine publishing, custom home and car sales, and the Gopher Traveling Squad. In Scottsdale ‘retirement’, true to his lifelong enjoyment of driving (why not travel 2 hours one-way for an ice cream or picnics “expotition”!), he was the preferred chauffeur (and conversationalist!) for the famous who trusted and were fond of him. His genuine interest in others was a hallmark and every person low or high was treated with the same humility and respect.

A true gentleman with an innate strong and authentic presence, Dad/”Gwampa” was generous to overflowing. A man of deep conviction, often expressed, yet always willing to dialogue. Above all he was a loving and merciful devout Roman Catholic.

The nicknamer – Beetlebug, Bunny, Butchie, Fuzzball, Little Sweetums, Magic, SB, Stenbeck, Suzybelle, Tuffy, Zuzu; ‘cookie-stealer’ and ardent supporter who never sent a text without ‘mojis’ and always bearing flowers, signature dishes, or ‘prezzies’, Dad said his “happiest time of life” was being daily present and active with his grandchildren – whether at home on the porch or in the backyard, reading, on walks, at parks or for meals, Mass, play, homeschool, bonfires, adventures, vacations – especially to the North Shore and Deer Lake, recitals, and even at age 80 on bike rides! Marked by high integrity, wisdom, and strength, he loved to the fullest degree, and enriched lives with his knowledge, passionate spirit and ardent faith. One-of-a-kind, charming, funny, smart, bold and fierce, he will be forever missed.

Dad’s legacy will live on through the Faith he instilled, often tied inextricably to the magnificent traditions he tirelessly bestowed and that we revere, and through all the stories we miss hearing already.

Though the silence is deafening, the family is comforted he passed into Eternal Life while the Luminous Mysteries were prayed, and in the company of loved ones, and after receiving final Sacraments. No nursing home. His wondrous photographic memory intact. We already see the signs that Dad and Gwampa Peter is watching over us.

Survived by children Tina Bartosevic, Theresa (James) Michel, Thomas Matt, and Suzanna Matt; mother of their children, Jacqueline Matt; treasured grandchildren Tristan Bartosevic, Magdalene and Ambrose Michel; and many beloved nieces and nephews with whom he shared lifelong relationships, especially Joseph Matt, and the Campbell Clan.

Preceded in death by parents, and siblings Alphonse Matt, Sr., Loretta Matt Campbell, Sister Mary Louise CSJ, Catherine Elizabeth, and John G. Matt.

Mass of Christian Burial at Church of the Assumption Saint Paul and interment at Resurrection Cemetery to be privately held on September 24.

Memorials requested to Discalced Carmelites of Our Lady of Divine Providence, Lake Elmo, MN. Please pray for the repose of his soul. Eternal rest grant unto Peter O Lord and may Perpetual Light shine upon him. He led a Wonderful Life.