Matthias Kirsch

Matthias Kirsch ( Matt ) passed away peacefully on December 8, 2024 at the age of 91. Matt was born November 2, 1933 in the town of Zerne, Yugoslavia to Johann and Barbara Kirsch. He was the oldest of three sons. His childhood was disrupted by World War II which would change his life. He and his family were driven out of their home, having to leave all their possessions behind. Matt’s father was killed in WW II. Matt, his mother, and brother were placed in a concentration camp. Matt rarely spoke about his experiences there, but it was clear that they lacked food, and that Matt was separated from his family. After surviving the hardships of the war, Matt and his family fled to a safer area in Austria. After much time and many challenges, they were finally able to immigrate to the United States in 1948. Arriving in Detroit with little possessions and not being able to speak the language, Matt worked hard to start a new life. He learned English in school and from comic books. Learning a trade, he began to work as a machinist in various tool and die shops and helped support his family. Matt was very proud to become a naturalized citizen of the United States in 1954. Matt met the love of his life, Kathy, on a blind date on New Years Eve, 1959. They had a whirlwind romance getting engaged on Valentine’s Day 1960 and married on July 9, 1960 in Detroit. They began a life together that lasted over 64 years. They had three children, two sons and a daughter. Matt worked very hard to provide for his family the many things that he was not able to experience in his childhood. That meant working long hours and 6, sometimes 7 days a week. However, Matt was a dedicated father and always had time for his children, including attending their sports activities and school functions, even if it meant a 6 am hockey game on his only day off. He was an avid sports fan, especially rooting for the Detroit Red Wings and Tigers. Not having many opportunities himself, Matt always stressed the importance of education. He encouraged his children to get involved in various activities, sports and tried to provide special experiences for his family. A memorable trip Matt took with his family was a six-week trip to Europe, visiting relatives in Germany and Austria, and touring Switzerland, Italy and France. Matt was also a master handyman, always able to work on or fix any household problem. His sons were honored to learn from the best. Matt was very proud of his German – Danube Swabian heritage, being an active member of the Carpathia Club and the hunting club. As his children married and had children, Matt became a proud and doting Papa, always present at his grandchildren’s school activities, ceremonies, shows and sports events. Matt overcame many challenges and hardships in his early life to become a role model to his entire family. A kind, gentle, caring man of faith, dedicated to his family who will be very missed. Left to honor his memory are his wife of 64 years: Katharina; children: Matthias ( Karen, MD ) Kirsch MD, Michael ( Chris ) Kirsch MD and Frances ( David ) Grant; five grandchildren: Alyssa Kirsch MD, Matthias A. Kirsch, Michael J. ( Emma ) Kirsch MD, Jason A. Kirsch and Nicholas D. Grant; brother: John ( Hilda ) Kirsch. Preceding him in death are his parents: Johann and Barbara; and brother: Frank. Visitation will be held on Monday, December 16, 2024 from 3-8pm at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, Inc., 36900 Schoenherr at Metro Parkway (16 Mile), Sterling Heights. Instate and Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at St. John Fisher University Chapel, Auburn Hills, MI (3665 E Walton Blvd Auburn Hills, Michigan 48326) with Instate beginning at 9:30am and Funeral Mass at 10am. Interment to take place at Resurrection Cemetery, Clinton Township, MI. Please share memories with the family at their online guestbook at WujekCalcaterra.com

Matthias Kirsch

November 2, 1933 - December 8, 2024