Matt Wilbert Haarala passed away following a short illness on May 5 ^th , 2019 in Ruston, Louisiana.  Matt was born February 27 ^th , 1927, to the late Gusti and Sophia (Hoyhtya), and was the 10 ^th of 12 siblings. Matt loved his family and friends and was happiest at "the farm" in Chassell, Michigan.

Matt enlisted in the Navy when he was 17 to join his brothers in arms during WWII.  Even though he had never been out of Michigan before, Matt found himself at Midway Island using his farm skills to care for the Navy's cows and chickens.

After the war, Matt moved to Detroit and worked for Michigan Consolidated Gas Company.  He was encouraged to become a pen pal to a young Finnish gal named Margie who lived back in the U.P.  They married on May 1, 1954 and were married for 61 years.

Matt is survived by his 3 children; Robin (Larry), Joel (Jenny) and Jackie (Tom), seven grandchildren; Tim, Matt, James, Sarah, Jessica, Michael and Jacob, seven great-grandchildren; Barry, Taegin, Madelyn, Danielle, Riley, Sophia and Maddox as well numerous nieces and nephews.

Matt had the biggest heart, a loud laugh, and a rib breaking bear hug. He was a very gentle, kind, unassuming man full of love and laughter. He will be dearly missed.

Visitation will be at Thayer Rock Funeral Home in Farmington, Michigan, on Saturday, May 11 from 1:00-3:00 PM with a service to follow at 3:00PM at the same location.   In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Arthritis Foundation.