Mathias “Matt” Girodat, 87, of Langdon, ND and formerly of Hannah, ND, passed away Thursday, September 9, 2010, at the Maple Manor Care Center of Langdon, ND.
Mathias was born July 30, 1923 to Frank and Loretta (Bernard) Girodat at Mt. Carmel, ND. He grew up and was educated in the area. As a young adult Matt worked for his uncle Pete at the General Store in Mt. Carmel. He ran the candy counter and gained the nickname “Sonny”. He worked in the Mt. Carmel area for local farmers before purchasing his farm near Wales. Mathias was united in marriage to Mary Alice Hoffarth on June 19, 1956 at Mt. Carmel. They became the parents of 11 children and farmed and raised livestock. The family worked together on the farm, and Matt was most proud when his children were working with him. He was skilled at teaching the kids to work together. He loved horses and Word Search. Canasta, Whist, Pinochle, Rummy, and No Peek 31 were among his favorite card games. Matt retired in 1985, and they moved to Langdon in 1986.
Matt is survived by his wife Mary Alice of Langdon, children: Steve (Special Friend Janet) of Pekin, ND; Myles (Lynette) of Kindred, ND; Daniel (Leeanne) of Walcott, ND; Carol (James) Hoffarth of Langdon, ND; Dianne (Tom) Trautman of Audubon, MN; David (Carol) Girodat of Hannah, ND; Joan Girodat of Langdon, ND; Gary (Janell) of Kindred, ND; Rodney (Laura) of Hector, MN; Monica (Rick) Anderson of Detroit Lakes, MN, 24 grandchildren: Jamie (Keith) Mercer, Christopher Girodat, Amanda Girodat, Andrew Girodat, Alyssa Girodat, Laura (Josh) Enger, Tara Girodat, Marshal Girodat, Matthew Hoffarth, Elizabeth Hoffarth, Marianne (Aaron) Olson, Mark Hoffarth, Cynthia Hoffarth, Nicholas Hoffarth, Anthony “Tony” Trautman, Aaron Girodat, Derek Girodat, Madison Girodat, Benjamin Girodat, Damien Girodat, Megan Girodat, Cole Girodat, Alexander Girodat, Justin Girodat, one great-grandchild, Maleah Girodat, brothers and sisters: Dolores Hoffarth of Langdon, ND; Allen (Lorraine) of Crookston, MN; Fern (Walter) Simonson of Oakdale, MN; Grace Hoffarth of Grand Forks, ND, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son Bradley, grandson Russell Hoffarth, brother Clifford Girodat.
VISITATION will take place from 4-5:30pm on Monday, September 13, 2010 at the Brooks Funeral Home of Langdon, ND. Visitation will also take place for one hour before the time of the services at the church on Tuesday.
PRAYER SERVICE/ROSARY Monday, September 13, 2010 at 7:00 pm at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Langdon, ND
SERVICES Tuesday, September 14, 2010 at 2:00 pm at the St. Alphonsus Catholic Church of Langdon, ND with visitation for one hour before the time of the services.
INTERMENT St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery, Wales, ND
