William M. "Matt" Hotchkiss

Graveside Services will be held Friday at 2:00 PM at First Marion Cemetery, rural Stratford. William Madison "Matt" Hotchkiss was born September 13, 1914 in North English son of William Albert and Inez Gertrude (Wertz) Hotchkiss. Matt grew up in Keota graduating from Keota High School in 1932. He worked for a short period on the Civilian Conservation Camp prior to serving in the United States Army during WWII. He was stationed in the South Pacific receiving the Bronze Star. Matt was married to Velva Elaine Berglund on July 26, 1951. They lived in Stratford where he operated an auto body shop for several years. In the mid 1950's he began working at Farmers Savings Bank in Stratford and at the same time operated Hotchkiss Insurance Agency at the bank. His wife, Velva preceded him in death on May 11, 1975. Matt was united in marriage to Mary Alice Ukena on November 8, 1980 at the Presbyterian Church in Lakota. They enjoyed life living in Lakota and traveling south for the winters. William "Matt" Hotchkiss died Monday, May 21, 2007 at the Heritage Nursing Home in Bancroft at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife Mary Alice Hotchkiss of Lakota; seven children, Barbar...[more]

View Full Online Obituary and Tributes

otchkiss of Boone, Gale Hotchkiss of Webster City, Daniel Hotchkiss of Virginia, MN, Cathy Simpson and her husband Russ of Stratford, Don Ukena of Dakota City, Emma Ausen and her husband Mike of Round Rock, TX, and Alma Walker and her husband Marvin of Forest City; seven grandchildren, Madison Simpson of Stratford, Jennifer Ford and her husband Paul of Lebanon, NH, Amy Sellers and her husband Jay of Watauga, TX, John Walker and his wife Tammy of Leland, Brenda Walker of Northwood, Mary Peterson and her husband Kevin of Joice, and Brian Walker and his wife Stacy of Fertile; four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Velva; one brother Ralph; and one sister, Helen Kern.