Anthony “Tony” Matelski

Anthony “Tony” Matelski, 76, of Onaway, passed away Tuesday May 9, 2017 at Hospice House in Cheboygan. Tony was born November 7, 1940 in Moran to Casimir and Rosemary (Luepnitz) Matelski.  He graduated from LaSalle High School in St. Ignace in 1958 and Lawrence Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science degree in mechanical engineering in 1968. In the early 1960s Tony enlisted in the United States Army and then returned to northern Michigan where he married his wife, Roberta, May 25, 1963.

2017-obit-Matelski

Tony worked for many years for General Electric, installing turbines and generators before moving to Cheboygan County in 1986.  He also owned and operated his 400-acre farm in Waverly Township. He became very active in politics, holding positions such as Waverly Township supervisor for 12 years starting in 1996, the Cheboygan County planning and zoning board for several years beginning in 1997, and the Cheboygan County Board of Commissioners starting in 2010.  He was most recently chairman of that board.

Tony also attended many meetings, including the Cheboygan County Road Commission and was known to have funny jokes and great stories that would make everyone laugh. He loved working on his farm, spending time with his wife and dogs, and jumping out of airplanes for good causes, like the Cheboygan County Humane Society’s Cop Drop.

He touched many lives and devoted a great deal of his time to starting, developing and continuing the Cheboygan

County Sheriff’s Department K9 Unit with numerous donations and support and supporting the Humane Society. Many people will remember him fondly.

Surviving Tony is his wife, Roberta; mother, Rosemary; sisters, Mary (Wayne) LeGreve and Jean (Pat) Chargo; brothers, Casimir, Joe (Cheryl), John, Tim (Debi Ferguson), Paul (Kaye) and Matthew (Darlene); sister-in-law, Betty; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Ann Marie; brothers, Ralph, Jerry and Pete; and his father, Casimir.

It was Tony’s wish that no funeral or memorial service take place following his death.

Anyone who would like to give in memory of Tony is asked to make a donation to the Cheboygan County Humane Society Building Fund, 1536 Hackleburg Road, Cheboygan, MI 49721.