Mathias “Matt” Kerger

Senator Mathias A. “Matt” Kerger, age 85, passed away on May 7, 2012 after a 60-year battle with Diabetes. He leaves behind his wife of 52 years, Ruth Sedlak Kerger and four children, Rebecca (Robert) Nowlin, Angelique Kerger, Mathias “Duff” Kerger and Christine (Dan) Hynes and dearest grandchildren, Charlie, Liam, and Finley Hynes all of Chicago, IL. Also surviving are sisters and brothers-in-law, Anita (Bob) McCord of Danbury, CT., Janet (Bob) McDonald of Highland, Bill (Carol) Sedlak of Hobart, Babs (Jack) Chevigny of Munster, Mary Beth (late Terry) Burns of Valparaiso, and James (Sally) Burns of Hobart; cousins, Sister Pat Hoess of Bangladesh, Jerry Hoess of Chicago, Margie Hoes of Munster, Pat Kahl of Chicago, Diane (Ron) Adley of Munster, Peg (late George) Kiernan of Munster, James (Janet) Albert of LaPorte, John (Madelon) Albert of St. John, and many nieces and nephews and special friend and secretary, Marie Hagler. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mathias H. and Anna A. Kerger and wife, Marilyn Burns Kerger, nieces, Karen McDonald and Michelle McCord Davis.Matt graduated from St. Joseph Grade School in Hammond and Catholic Central High School Class of 1945. During Matt’s High School years at Catholic Central he was a stand out athlete and set many records in football, basketball, and baseball, some of which still stand today. He even scored 13 straight free throws against Washington at the Hammond Civic Center. Johnny Mostell, the Chicago White Sox Center Fielder, came to coach at Catholic Central, and with his help, Matt had the opportunity to train with the White Sox at Comisky Park. He later was inducted into the Hammond Sports Hall of Fame in 1992. He served his country in the U. S. Marine Corps during WWII after high school. He then pursued football scholarships at Wisconsin and Purdue, eventually transferring to the University of Notre Dame where he received his BS Degree in Finance in 1952. While at Notre Dame he scrimmaged under Coach Frank Lahey and tackled Billy Barrett and the future all-American, Leon Harte.Matt began his professional career in Insurance and Real Estate and was the owner of the Matt Kerger Agency. He originally worked from a home office and had several other jobs while building his business. He sold insurance for the C. B. Knapp Agency, was co-owner of the Caldis Collection Agency, and was Vice-President of United Tractor. During the evenings, Matt played softball with several industrial teams and also professional softball with the Plainfield Merchants in Plainfield, IL. Matt was a high achiever all of his life. He set goals and served his community in many capacities. He was United Way Chairman, served under three mayors on the Hammond Planning Commission, Board of Zoning Appeals, managed the Hammond Water Department and was Interim City planner. Matt was elected Indiana State Senator where he served from 1976 to 1980—this was his greatest joy where he was able to help others. He was most proud of the legislation he sponsored and passed, particularly his Pro-Life legislation which provided a waiting period and parental consent for an abortion. He also sponsored the first Handicapped Parking Bill, the Bus Safety Bill, and was also labeled a Drug-fighter by the local newspaper for sponsoring the Locker Search Bill. Matt’s Catholic faith was especially enriched by the Cursillos in Christianity Movement. He served his faith community in many ways on parish councils, as usher, lector, Eucharistic Minister, and fraternally he belonged to the Knights of Columbus, Unity Council #726 and the 4th Degree Knights of Columbus. He served as Past President of the Holy Name Society, Past President of the Notre Dame Club of NW Indiana, The Sorin Society of Notre Dame, Share Foundation Founder’s Club and also the Serra Club. While he resided in Michigan City, his fondest duties were to take Holy Communion to patients in St. Anthony Hospital where he encouraged them with their health issues, having been a diabetic for so long. Matt was a founding member of Hospice of the Calumet Area, which he served until the time of his death. Matt was a fun-loving, entertaining guy. He played the piano with gusto and was a terrific dancer. He worked hard and loved his family dearly and was so proud of each of them. Most of all he loved people which is why he loved politics and serving his community.Funeral service will be held on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 9:15 a.m. at Kish Funeral Home, 10000 Calumet Avenue, Munster, IN going to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 5310 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, IN for a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 a.m. Rev. Joseph Semancik officiating. Entombment at St. John-St. Joseph Cemetery in Hammond, IN. Friends may visit with the family at Kish Funeral Home on Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to Hospice of the Calumet Area, The Share Foundation or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.