Birth date: Nov 11, 1962 Death date: Jul 23, 2023
Matthew Lowell Hostak died July 23,2023 in Oshkosh, WI of cancer. He was born on November 11, 1962 to Jack and Gloria Hostak in St. Joseph, MI. In 1964, he moved with his family to Rochester, MN. After graduating with honors from Read Obituary
I met Matt nearly 30 years ago in Green Bay and have always cherished his zest for new things in life, humility, big hearty laugh and drive to master anything he might dare to try. My heart is heavy to hear about his passing and goes out to his family and friends. I am so deeply sorry for your loss. Shine on dear friend.
Dear Family and Friends of Matt- I knew Matt through the Winnebago County Historical and Archaeological Society and also through my Mother, Jane Westphal, to whom he was a superior friend. Matt was always a willing and enthusiastic helper to the Society and specifically to Mom. Hauliing artifacts, moving furniture into, out of and within The Morgan House, setting up and tearing down for Pie on the Porch, yard work, etc. He literally did whatever for her and always with a smile and a quip. I most remember a card he made for her which she kept until her death featuring his beautiful original artwork and a lovely heartfelt personal message. I was grateful to visit with him during his last days so I could tell him thanks… Rest In Peace, Sweet Matt.
I first met Matt Hostak when I started working as the Archivist at the Oshkosh Public Museum over 20 years ago. Matt wanted to donate some items to the museum. He and I started talking and found that we shared a mutual interest in, and passion for, historic preservation. We were both concerned about the loss of historic buildings in Oshkosh. This led to many conversations, and Matt started volunteering for me in the Archives. He digitized dozens of historic maps of Oshkosh and Winnebago County. After stepping away from volunteering, he later returned and scanned thousands of historic photographs, more than I could possibly catalog! His work was an invaluable piece of the preservation process at the museum.
His interests led him to become an energetic amateur archaeologist. He discovered thousands of historic artifacts, many of these he donated to the Oshkosh Public Museum. His love of local history also led him to serve as a board member for the Winnebago County Historical and Archaelogical Society.
The Oshkosh community has lost a dedicated advocate for the preservation of local history. Matt contributed to a better understanding of life in our community. He helped tell the story of Oshkosh and his loss will be greatly felt.
Scott Cross, BS, MA, Retired Archivist
Please accept my deepest sympathies. Matt was my WDNR compliance contact and he was the ultimate professional. May his memory be a blessing
Jack and Gloria, I am so sorry for your loss of your Matthew. With shared love, Jerry Heilman Porter
