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Mathew Placzek Obituary
Mathew W. Placzek was born in Westfield, Mass., on November 27, 1945. Prior to attending college, he served as a noncommissioned officer in the United States Army, where he was stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., and in South Korea. He also was deployed to Thailand and served during the Dominican Civil War.
He graduated from Clark University in Massachusetts and received his law degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He then moved to Springfield where he practiced law for 42 years. As an attorney, he represented people from all walks of life. He was driven by a desire to help people however he could.
He married his college sweetheart, Ellen. They were married for 46 years and have six children: Christa Placzek, Jenifer Placzek (Eugene Han), Laura Luehr (Eric), Sarah Donelan (Andrew), Gregory Placzek (Andrea) and Mathew L. Placzek (Dinara Saparova); and twelve grandchildren: Jackson, Alden, Tyler, Isaac, Sarah, Harrison, Clare, Pierce, James, Joseph, Thomas, and Mathew.
He was passionate about conservation, hunting, fishing, and watching his champion Spurs basketball team. He traveled enthusiastically to all seven continents. He died November 2, 2015, in Esquel, Argentina, after catching another "really big" fish.
He cherished his friends and family most of all and enjoyed seeing them well-fed and entertained. He would give anyone the shirt off his back (likely a Spurs t-shirt) and plenty of thoughtful advice and support.
A Funeral Mass and Celebration will be Friday, November 13, at 11 a.m. at Saint Agnes Cathedral, 533 S. Jefferson, Springfield. Visitation will precede the Mass at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Mathew W. Placzek Scholarship Fund through Community Foundation of the Ozarks, P.O. Box 8960, Springfield, MO 65801 (www.cfozarks.org), or to The Kitchen, Inc., 1630 S. Jefferson, Springfield, MO 65803 (www.thekitcheninc.org), in his memory.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mathew Placzek
BETTY Pace
November 13, 2015
My thoughts are with your family on this very difficult time. May you be blessed with happy memories and the many good things he has done during his lifetime. May you find some comfort and peace when you remember your beloved husband, father, grandfather, family member, and his many friends knowing that he lived a good life and a full life.
Shannon Tidwell
November 13, 2015
Dr. Laura Luehr,
You, your family are in our thoughts and prayers. What a grand legacy your father left not only for his family but for this community. May more of us strive to be just like him.
Ted & Marilyn Wise
November 12, 2015
Ellen, Ted and I thought the world of Matt, and went to many parts of the world with you and Matt. We will miss him, his wonderful smile, his great sense of humor and all of his fish stories. He was truly a unique guy and a wonderful husband to you.
We will really miss him!
Love,
Marilyn and Ted Wise
Tony Amico
November 8, 2015
Ellen, So sorry for your loss. Please know that you friends back in Fitchburg will say a prayer
From St Bhs Classmates
Marvin McDaniel
November 8, 2015
Matt was a dear friend and was always there when I needed him. We enjoyed hearing of his travels and fishing adventures. He was most generous and very caring. We enjoyed many trips with Ellen and Matt.
November 6, 2015
Jenifer, I'm so sorry for your loss. You and Matt helped my family when I lost my dad. Matt was truly a great man and will be dearly missed. Our deepest condolences to you and the Placzek family.
~ Jennifer Maples-Climer and the Shoemaker family.
Tom & Peggy Auvil
November 6, 2015
Our prayers and love to the family.
Christine Clark
November 5, 2015
Matt. All of your family is in our prayers.
Kelvin and Ellen VanOsdol
November 5, 2015
Our condolences to Ellen and the children. Matt was a great travel buddy; we enjoyed all our trips with Ellen and Matt. Matt was a joy to know.
Jim and Lana Jenkins
November 5, 2015
Our deep sympathy to Ellen, Mathew and Dinara, (our neighbors), and all the other children and grandchildren. Families and friends are one of God's most precious gifts. He will be missed by many.
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