Mathew J. "Matty" Anonich, 80, of Iron Belt, died unexpectedly Friday, Feb. 1, 2008, in Ironwood. He was born Jan. 29, 1928 in Montreal, Wis., son of the late Matthew and Mary (Smee) Anonich, attended grade school there, and graduated from Lincoln High School in Hurley in 1945. He attended Superior State Teachers College in Superior, Wis., where he received a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, then taught in the fourth grade at Southside School in Hurley and Junior High School science. He retired as driver education instructor from the Hurley School District on June 4, 1988. Matty was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley and the Wisconsin Education Association, and a charter member of Eagle Bluff Golf Club and the Hurley Quarterback Club. He coached fifth and sixth grade basketball, as well as golf, in the Hurley School District, and the James Gang in the Iron County Women's Softball League. An avid bowler, he bowled a 705 series in the Tuesday Nite Commercial League at the Legion Lanes in Hurley. He enjoyed playing baseball and softball in his younger years, and loved telling jokes. He especially enjoyed playing Santa Claus for over 50 years. He loved his Packers and Badgers. On Aug. 15, 1956, he was married to the former Florence E. Rosi at St. Ann's Catholic Church in Saxon, by the Rev. Eugene Torkildson. Florence survives. Also surviving are two sons, Perry (Christina), Danville, Calif., and Paul (Tracy), Mukwonago; three daughters, Deanna (Steve) Stuhr, Onalaska, Sherry Anonich, Iron Belt, and Becky Anonich (Dick Hartman), Spooner; nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren; two brothers, Willam Anonich (Marlene Delich), Wakefield, Mich., and James (Helen) Anonich, Rice Lake; two sisters, Helen Mae Anonich, Montreal, and Sophie Horvat, Crown Point, Ind.; sisters-and-brother-in-law, Karen Anonich, Wheaton, Ill, Frances Guenther, Hurley, and Esther and Ernest Jeglum, San Ramon, Calif.; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Besides his parents, Matty was preceded in death by a grandson, Andrew Anonich; a brother, George Anonich, in 2007; and two sisters, Isabelle Kent and Bernice Delevich. Cremation has taken place. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, Feb. 5, at 11 a.m., at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Hurley, with the Rev. Michael Hayden, celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at the church. Spring inurnment will be in Hillside Cemetery, Iron Belt. Relatives and friends may call at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Tuesday. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Gotta, Earl Verbunker, Tom Bertagnoli, William "Wy" Anonich, and James Anonich. To view Matty's obituary online, sign the guestbook and express condolences, visit mckevittpatrickfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are with McKevitt-Patrick and Engstrom Funeral and Cremation Services of Ironwood and Hurley.