Dean Merlyn Matznick, age 85, a lifetime Lapeer Area resident, died Sat, Jan 13, 2018. He was born Jun 10, 1932 in Lapeer to Charles and Murle (Stacy) Matznick.
Mr. Matznick graduated from Lapeer High School in 1950. He married Delores “Dolly” Sawatzke on Apr 30, 1955 here in Lapeer. He was employed by Buick Motor Division for over 30 years and owned and operated J & D Hobbies for 16 years. Dean was a member of the Lapeer Model Railroaders and the Jr Model Railroad Club, where he enjoyed sharing his love of trains with children. He helped start the Lapeer County Wing Nuts and the Radio Control Airplane Clubs in Lapeer. Mr. Matznick was also a member of the Genesee Valley 2-Cylinder John Deere Club, Thumb Area Old Engine & Tractor Association and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lapeer. Dean enjoyed tractors, model train shows and “Riding the Rails on Speeders” with friends.
Mr. Matznick is survived by his children: Deanna (Doug) McCallum of Burton, Dawn (Jim) Wilson of Lapeer, and Dwayne (Toni) Matznick of Concord, NC; grandchildren: Monica (John) Pawlica, Eric Wilson, Angela (Mark) Woodfield, Jessica (Mike) Stafford, Erin Brantley, and Angie Lawson; great grandchildren: Brandon, Zachary, Bryson, Anna, Emilee, Cameron, Cheyenne, Antonio, and Landyn; and sister: Doris Parrish of Caledonia, MI. He was preceded in death by his wife: Dolly Matznick; daughter, Darlene Brantley; parents, Charles and Murle Matznick; granddaughter: Lisa Drew; great grandson: Dean “DJ” Pawlica, and brothers: Raymond Kramer and Dale Matznick.
A memorial service in honor of Dean’s life will be held 11 am Thu, Jan 18, 2018, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Lapeer. Rev. John Kaiser will officiate the service, with burial of his cremains to follow immediately in Mt Hope Cemetery – Lapeer. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the memorial service Thu at the church from 10 am to 11 am. In keeping with Mr. Matznick’s wishes cremation has been entrusted to Muir Brothers Funeral Home in Lapeer.