Matthew Begich

Matthew Michael Begich, a resident of Hastings, passed away peaceful early morning May 28 after a battle with cancer. Matt was born in Eveleth, Minnesota on September 17, 1955. The Begich Family moved to Hastings in 1956 where Matt was raised. He is a 1973 graduate of Hastings High School.

Following high school he served in the U. S. Army where he achieved the rank of Secret Confidential Communication Clearance Specialist and also served as a Sergeant in the Air National Guard, attended Inver Hills Community College and earned an Associate in Applied Science Degree and became a private airplane pilot, and he was also a long distance trucker criss-crossing interstates throughout North America. He retired after a long career with the U. S. Postal Service.

Matt enjoyed hunting and fishing especially in Northern Minnesota. His travels took him to Europe, Russia, and many fishing adventures in Alaska. He was enthusiastic about grasping a quick adventure to drive north to see the Northern Lights, catch a glimpse of a passing comet or meteor shower.

Matt was a numismatist, enjoyed game shows, historian of world events, and possessed a high degree of mechanical aptitude making him an extraordinary handy man at work, home, and while pursuing his outdoor hobbies. Matt was always looking for fun times as he enjoyed being with friends and family especially for game nights during the holidays.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Matt J. and Katherine E. Begich of Hastings. He is survived by siblings Barbara (Hastings), Paul (Woodbury), Thomas (Virginia MN), Katherine (Downey, CA), Robert and wife Kelly (Soldotna, AK), and nieces and nephews Paul and wife Emily (Mpls), Brooke (Mpls), and Jacob and Bridger (Soldotna).

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 am Friday, June 9th at St.Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Hastings. Visitation will be 5:00 pm - 7:00pm Thursday, June 8th at the Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel and one hour prior at the church. Interment will be in the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors following the service.

Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel is assisting the family