Matthew Peter Klaver

Matthew was born in Harrison, Wisconsin on May 3, 1926 the son of Seivert and Mary (Schoone) Klaver. He lived in the area until the age of 5 and then in Superior, Wisconsin until the age of 17. He served his country in the United States Army Infantry during WWII, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant. After the war Matt came back to Wisconsin working on farms and logging. He met his future wife Rose Pavlicek at a dance in Adams, County. They later would be united in marriage on March 11, 1949 in Adams, County. They moved to Green Lake County living their for a brief period of time. They then moved to Rhinelander purchasing a hobby farm and Matthew began his employment which would last for 39 years with the Rhinelander Paper Mill, retiring in 1989 as the Head Beater Man. He also logged during this period and will be remembered as the “Bull in the Woods”.

He enjoyed fishing, especially bluegills, and bullheads, deer hunting, reading, and was an accomplished woodworker, making rocking horses for his granddaughters, furniture, plant stands, frames, jewelry boxes, and trucks. He loved animals, especially his dog Rufus. Matt loved his family and spending time with them as well as enjoying a good party. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed life to the fullest, and will be deeply missed.

Matthew was a member of Nativity of our Lord Catholic Church, and a past volunteer with the Boy Scouts.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Rose, his children, Richard L. (Linda) Klaver Sr. of Rhinelander, Marilyn R. (David) Newman of Green Lake, WI, Betty K. (Glenn) Slizewski of Rhinelander, Charles M. (Brenda) Klaver of Rhinelander, and Carol Klaver Schultz of Tomahawk, WI. Also surviving are 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, one brother, Robert Klaver of Illinois, one sister and two brothers-in-law; Virginia (Werner) Bigalke of Arkansas, and Norman Rau. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Matt was preceded in death by his parents, grandson, Jake Klaver, and by five brothers and four sisters.

A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, August 29, 2012 at 1 PM at the Matthew and Rose Klaver residence, 5102 Hilltop Road, with Chaplain John Uhlarik officiating. Visitation will be at their home on Wednesday from 11 AM until the time of the service. Interment with full military honors of Matthews cremains will be held at a later date at Northland Memorial Park. Memorials in honor of Matthew may be given to Ministry Home Care Hospice. Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home, 715-365-4343 is assisting the family with arrangements. All are invited to light a candle and leave an online condolence at hildebrandfh.com.