Matthew P. Kuznia

Matthew Peter Kuznia, 94, of Stephen, MN died unexpectedly Friday morning, February 23, 2024.

Matt was born on December 21,1929 in Florian, MN, the son of Peter and Agnes Kuznia. He grew up on the family farm and attended country school until the 8th grade. Matt served in Korea from 1952-1954. His duties included rebuilding the infrastructure up to the DMZ. Upon returning, Matt worked on the farm and for Roy Benson & Son in Stephen, MN. In 1967, Matt and Art bought Bill Clark Construction and started Stephen Construction. In 1974, Matt went on his own and established Stephen Excavation. Matt was an excellent cat skinner who could do anything with a bulldozer- whether it be roads, ditches, dikes, or dozing trees he could do it. Matt retired in 2006 from his business but continued to work for another 10 years for Gudajtes Farms.

Matt married Geraldine Benke on November 22, 1958, in St. Stephen Catholic Church. Matt & Gerri enjoyed taking trips to Hawaii and Las Vegas. After his retirement, they spent 15 years wintering in Mesa, AZ.

Although Matt was a workaholic, he still found time to work in his garden, which he was very proud of. Even though he was confined to a wheelchair these past three years, you could find him on his scooter doing yard work, gardening, or cleaning out his garage.

He was a member of St. Stephen Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and Stephen American Legion Post 390. At 94 years old, he had a sharp mind and liked to visit with others. He was a good storyteller and loved to share memories of the past with just about anyone. When the grandkids came to visit his stories became a little more imaginative and entertaining. He worked hard to maintain his physical abilities by faithfully continuing his physical therapy exercises. His hard work earned him the title of “Athlete of the Month” at the Villa St. Vincent in Crookston.

Matt is survived by his wife, Gerri, of 65 years; children, Todd Kuznia of East Grand Forks, MN, Kimberly (David) Clark of Stephen, and Chad (Teresa) Kuznia of West Fargo, ND; grandchildren, KayLeigh (Dylan) Kent of Kuna ID, Rachael (Luke) Boman and Bryce Kuznia both of Grand Forks, Josiah Clark of Alliance NE, Jesse Clark of Stephen, Caleb (Alexia Jamieson) Kuznia of Fargo ND, Abi Kuznia (Jake Faircloth) of West Fargo, and Jackson Kuznia of Fargo; and three great-grandchildren, Carson and Bristol Boman, and Parker Kent.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents; and siblings, Alozy, Frank, Eddie, Theresa, Regina, Roman, Leonard, Chester, Louie, Claire, Daniel, and Robert.


In Lieu of Flowers, Memorials are Preferred
and may be made to St. Stephen Catholic Cemetery
for the future beautification of the cemetery.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Friday, March 1, 2024, at 10:30 AM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church, Stephen, MN.
VISITATION: Thursday evening, February 29, 2024, staring at 5:00 PM; Prayer Service at 6:30 PM, in St. Stephen Catholic Church.
INTERMENT: St. Stephen Catholic Cemetery.
MILITARY HONORS: The US Army Honor Guard & Stephen American Legion Post 390.