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Matthew R. Diaz, age 33 of Sterling, CO, passed away Tuesday morning, December 11, 2007 at the Ogallala Community Hospital. He was born April 9, 1974 in Oshkosh, Nebraska.

Matthew graduated from the Ogallala High School in 1992. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1992 and served for four years as a corporal. Matthew was employed as a telecommunications technician for the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad for ten years, first in Alliance and later in Denver, CO.

Matthew loved to hunt and fish and was an avid Husker Fan. He played with the semi-professional team, The Nebraska Storm in Scottsbluff, NE before being diagnosed with cancer. Matthew never let the cancer get him down and had a good hearted comment always.

Survivors include:

His wife, Heather Diaz of Sterling, CO

Father, Raymond and wife Jane Diaz of Ogallala

Mother, Donna and husband Ryan Rochlitz of Julesburg, CO

Brothers and sisters, Stephanie Hardy of Sterling, CO

Daniel and Missy Diaz of North Platte

William and Cheyenne Diaz of Aliso Viejo, CA

Benjamin Diaz of Ogallala

Amy and Benjamin Van Pelt of Ogallala

Thai Nimmo of Julesburg, CO

Nikki Rochlitz of Julesburg, CO

Richie Rochlitz of Julesburg, CO

Sister in law, Celeste and Byron Pelton of Sterling, CO

Grandparents, Rene and Simona Diaz of Big Springs

Genila Vogt of Sidney

Darrell and Jacque Bassett of Ogallala

Mother and father in law, Christopher and Kimberly Delgado of Sterling, CO

Niece and nephews, Emma Diaz, Brendan Diaz, Hunter and Kaden Hardy,

Barrett and Ryan Van Pelt, Mattea Pelton

and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends including Mia and Brock, his faithful companions.

He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Dean Vogt; an infant brother, Scotty Ray and an infant sister, Marie Ann.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, December 14, 2007 at St. Luke’s Catholic Church with Father Bryan Ernest officiating. Burial will be in the Ogallala Cemetery with military honors.

Visitation will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. on Thursday at the Gubser Funeral Home. A memorial has been established in his memory to the Matt Diaz Cancer Fund in his memory.