Josef F. Matzelle passed away peacefully in his home on July 5, 2018. He was born in Gottschee on January 15, 1937. Joe is survived by his wife, Trudy Matzelle, his children, Mary, Joseph, Edward, Johnny and Benny, and his grandchildren, Jennifer, John, Kerry, Matthew, Angela and Anthony. Joe was known as the beloved “Harrington Park Butcher.” For over 30 years, he was a true master and craftsman of his profession. It was an art to watch his precision with a knife. He had a twinkle in his eye and with a bright smile he’d say, “It’s all in the wrist” before preparing the quality meats that graced many of our dinner tables for years. His sweet, passionate demeanor brought a special light into all of lives in which he blessed. Many of us have great memories of the butcher shop, trading playful banter for handmade hamburgers and exchanging soup recipes and laughs. Everyone would leave the shop with a smile as Joe prepared your dinner and his beloved Trudy sneaked candy and cold cuts to the kids under the counter.
There is nothing but warmth, happiness and feelings of home when we think about the gift of Joe’s life and legacy. He was a big gift to a small town, and for years the Butcher Shop truly made Harrington Park special. Joe, we love you and you will be dearly missed. Thank you for all the sweet, delicious memories. Heaven gained an angel, and a mighty fine butcher. The family received their relatives and friends at Becker Funeral Home in Westwood. A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Lady of Victories R.C. Church in Harrington Park. Interment in George Washington Memorial Park.