Visitation Information

Peter J Matrenec

Passed away on May 22, 2026

Peter J. Matrenec, age 76, late of Lansing, Illinois, passed away on May 22, 2026. Loving father of Tonya (Doug) Hawrot. Cherished grandfather of Tyler Wolfe. Dearest brother of Kathy (late John) Fladeland, James (Candi) Matrenec, Earl (Karen) Matrenec, and Sandy (Tom) Szafranski. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Rozella Matrenec. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force (1969–1975), Peter was also a retired employee of LTV Steel.

Peter lived a life of service to his community, his church, and his fellow veterans. He was a member of the Lansing Veterans Ceremonial Honor Guard since August 2007, faithfully participating in flag postings, parades, funerals, and other honor guard events. He volunteered with Lansing Autumn Fest logistics and was known for gladly taking on the “trash” pickup and disposal detail to keep the grounds welcoming for everyone. He was an active member of American Legion Post 697 in Lansing, serving as a Poppy distribution volunteer, and a member of the American Legion Riders of Post 697, honoring veterans with motorcycle escorts.

Rooted in his faith, Peter was a member of Living Stones Fellowship Church in Crown Point, Indiana for 25 years. He served as an usher, deacon, and youth leader, and devoted three years as Kitchen Coordinator for the annual Father-Son Weekend at Tippecanoe River State Park—planning, preparing, and serving meals that brought families together. His heart for missions took him to El Salvador seven times to serve the Shalom Children’s Home in Santiago Texacuangos. He also coordinated three Shalom Home Children’s Choir Tours, bringing Salvadorian children to the United States to minister the Gospel of Jesus Christ to churches across America through song and prayer.

Civically engaged, Peter was a former member of the Calumet City Jaycees, where he lent his hands and creativity to community traditions including the children’s “Call Santa” program and the former “Miss Southern Cook County Beauty Pageant,” assisting with set design and prop fabrication for the talent show segment.

Beyond his service, Peter will be remembered for his quick wit and warm humor—often delighting friends and family with well-timed Seinfeld lines—and for the steadfast, humble way he showed up whenever help was needed.

Peter’s life was a testament to faith, service, and love of country. His legacy lives on in the many people he encouraged, the veterans he honored, and the family he adored.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 28, 2026, from 3:00–8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, May 29, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Elmwood Funeral Chapel, 11300 W. 97th Ln. (1/2 block west of US 41/Wicker Ave. at 97th Ln.), St. John. Interment at Memory Lane Cemetery. For more information, please call 219-365-3474.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the family would be appreciated.