Matthew Kajfez

MATTHEW KAJFEZ, JR. was born on 33rd Street, between Payne and Superior, in Cleveland on June 28, 1928. He was the son of Matt and Mary (Shaffer) Kajfez (both deceased) and brother of Marie Haller (deceased).

He attended St. Paul Catholic School, Wilson Junior High, and East Tech, later moving to E. 169th Street.

During the Korean War, Matt was a Third Class Petty Officer in the U.S. Navy.

He married Frances (nee Homar) in St. Mary’s Church on September 11, 1954. They have 3 children, Marc (Marian) in St. Clairsville, Ohio; Matthew (Susan) in Bainbridge; and Debra Nikrant (Craig); 5 granddaughters, Maran, Marri, Liesl, Claire, Katherine; and 1 grandson, Matthew.

Matthew lived in Willowick over 50 years. He managed Little League Baseball and was on the Board of Directors for Willowick Football organization, and the North High Boosters. He attended St. Mary Magdalene Church as a former usher and worked Bingo at the school. In 1989, he became active at the Collinwood Slovenian Home as an alternate board member, eventually becoming a board member, vice-president and then president. He was also on the House Committee and instrumental in making improvements for the hall. He was named Man of the Year in 1995 for the Collinwood Slovenian Home.

A former member of AARP Chapter #4622, Matthew was also vice-president then president of General Electric C.E.P. Retirees; a member of SNPJ #158 and KSKJ #169; representative, auditor and then president of Federation of Slovenian Homes; a member of the Holmes Avenue Pensioners, where he was in charge of refreshments and a tour guide; president of the Federation of American Slovenian Citizens Club; a member of Waterloo Balinca Team; and a member of St. Mary’s Holy Name and St. Mary’s Seniors groups.