Norman R. Matz, better known as Bob, of Curtice, Ohio, left us on April 9, 2012 to be with his Lord and Savior. Bob was born to Norman and Beulah (Blue) Matz on July 16, 1935. He was preceded in death by his parents. Bob leaves behind his loving wife, Kathleen, to cherish his memory and his beloved dog, Arry.
Bob had two passions in life. One was his dedication to weightlifting and the other was his love of the German Shepherd dog. He had many faithful companions during his life.
Bob competed in Olympic Lifting in the 198 lb. class. First contest was at the age of 22 in the 1956 Ohio State Championships. He was the 8 time Toledo Champion; 2 time Ohio State Champion; ranked 5th nationally; Best Total for 3 lifts: Press, Snatch and Clean and Jerk 940 lbs. Bob was the Ohio State record holder in standing press at 310 lbs. (Still stood when press was eliminated from competition). He was coach of 9 time world champion: Larry Pacifico, world powerlifting champion: George Crawford, world powerlifting champion: Milt McKinney, world master’s powerlifting champion: Ken Roberts and many others who have gained recognition in local, state, regional and national championships. Bob also coached 2 time Olympian: Fred Lowe, 165 lb. class representative in the 1968 Mexico Olympics and 1972 Munich, Germany Olympics.
Family and friends may visit Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral services will begin on Friday in the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. and continuing on with the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ignatius Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.
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Bob had two passions in life. One was his dedication to weightlifting and the other was his love of the German Shepherd dog. He had many faithful companions during his life.
Bob competed in Olympic Lifting in the 198 lb. class. First contest was at the age of 22 in the 1956 Ohio State Championships. He was the 8 time Toledo Champion; 2 time Ohio State Champion; ranked 5th nationally; Best Total for 3 lifts: Press, Snatch and Clean and Jerk 940 lbs. Bob was the Ohio State record holder in standing press at 310 lbs. (Still stood when press was eliminated from competition). He was coach of 9 time world champion: Larry Pacifico, world powerlifting champion: George Crawford, world powerlifting champion: Milt McKinney, world master’s powerlifting champion: Ken Roberts and many others who have gained recognition in local, state, regional and national championships. Bob also coached 2 time Olympian: Fred Lowe, 165 lb. class representative in the 1968 Mexico Olympics and 1972 Munich, Germany Olympics.
Family and friends may visit Freck Funeral Chapel, 1155 S. Wynn Rd in Oregon on Thursday, April 12, 2012 from 2-8 p.m. Funeral services will begin on Friday in the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. and continuing on with the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Ignatius Catholic Church at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in St. Ignatius Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society.