MATTHEW G. KOLB, PASTOR, FARMER & FRIEND Matthew G Kolb, 90, went to be with his Lord and Saviour on Friday, April 26, at the Phoenixville Hospital where he had been a patient for several days. He was born in Spring City, PA on May 28, 1922 to Amos and Lizzie (Good) Kolb. Matthew was married to Kathryn Landes on November 15, 1942. Matthew and Kathryn were a great team who raised their family, served the church and provided gracious hospitality to many. They celebrated 70 years of marriage in November 2012. Matthew accepted Christ as his savior and was baptized at the age of 13. At the young age of 23, on January 4, 1945, Matthew was called by lot to serve in the ministry at Vincent Mennonite Church. He served faithfully in that capacity for over 40 years. Matthew was also a farmer. His farm on Mennonite Road with the round-roofed dairy barn was always well-maintained. In spite of carrying church responsibilities, his farm work was always done on time. Over the years Matthew and Kathryn hosted 18 trainees from various European and South American countries under Mennonite Central Committee's trainee program. Each trainee lived with the Kolb family for six months and worked with Matthew on the farm. This led to many lasting international friendships and good memories. In their retirement, Matthew and Kathryn enjoyed winters in Sarasota, Florida, where they established new friendships. They always managed to be home for Christmas with the family, and returned to Pennsylvania in the spring to get an early start on Matthew's roadside produce stand which became a regular stop for many people. Matthew had an excellent memory. During retirement he memorized all of the Gospel of Matthew and other passages by listening to cassette tapes after his eyesight failed. He also knew long poems by memory and could recite them at a moment's notice. In addition to his wife, Kathryn, Matthew is survived by three daughters, Charlotte Glick and husband, Karl, of Oley, PA; Ruth Harris (husband, John, deceased in 1992) of Hayes, England; Mary Jane Goldschmidt and husband, Pierre, of Ferrette, France, and two sons, Martin Kolb and wife Donna, of Royersford, and Matthew Kolb Jr. and wife, Kathleen, of Royersford. Also surviving are 12 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren, Karlton Glick, of Norristown, PA; John Douglas Glick of Royersford, PA; Alicia Adams and husband, Rick, and children Grace, MaryJane and Lincoln of Pottstown, PA; Natania Eicher and husband, Dan, and children, Nicholas and Camille of France; Jessica Goldschmidt, serving in Rwanda; Ephraim Goldschmidt and wife, Fannie, and children, Levi, Sem, and Niel of France; Timothy Harris and wife, Joy, and daughter, Tabitha, of Hayes, England; Ryan Muliette of Worcester, England; Christropher Kolb and wife, Sara, and son, William, of New York; Andrew Kolb and wife, Marlene, and daughter, Lyla, of Blue Bell, PA; Amanda Leslie and husband, Brandon, and children, Freya and Kiran of Geigeretown, PA; Shavari Kolb of Arizona, and Justin Kolb and wife, Sarah, of Royersford, PA. A granddaughter, Annie Mulliette, wife of Ryan, of Worcester, England, died in March of this year. Matthew was predeceased by his parents and four brothers, Arthur (married to Bertha Risser), Samuel (married to Helen Longacre), Milton (married to Orpha Alderfer) and Joseph (married to, Naomi Moyer). A funeral is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 7 at 10 a.m. at Vincent Mennonite Church, 39 Seven Stars Road, Spring City, PA, with Pastor Tim Moyer offlciatinq. A viewing will be held prior to the service from 9 to 10 a.m. There will also be a viewing at the church on Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Burial at Vincent cemetery will follow the funeral service. Memorial contributions will be used for the support of Matthew's granddaughter, Jessica Goldschmidt, who is working in Rwanda with Swiss Mennonite Mission and for St. Richard's Hospice in England where Matthew's granddaughter, Annie, received such loving care. Contributions may be made payable to Kathryn Kolb and sent to 592 Mennonite Road, Royersford, PA 19468. Arrangements are in the care of the Shalkop Grace & Strunk Funeral Home, Spring City on line condolences may be made at www.sgsfuneralhome.com