John Matuszak

John Matuszak, 91, of Neillsville, WI passed away peacefully at the Clark County Rehab and Living Center on Wednesday, April 13, 2023. John was born June 11, 1931 in Neillsville to parents William and Anna Matuszak. He attended Shortville School and completed eighth grade. John served in the United States Marine Corp from 1951 - 1954 and served in the Korean War. John worked as a laborer throughout his career. He worked for Western Electric in Chicago, General Motors in Milwaukee, and Kohler Company in Sheboygan, retiring from Kohler. Upon retirement, John moved back to the Matuszak family farm in Neillsville.  

John was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was involved in the Knights of Columbus where he achieved Fourth Degree Knight. He was known as a prayer warrior and regularly let family and friends know he was praying for them. 

John greeted family and friends with a big smile and a hug or strong handshake. He enjoyed spending time with family doing things he loved including spending time outdoors fishing, hunting, gardening, and hunting for blueberries. He was always up for fishing even if he spent more time untangling his bait and line than he did catching fish. He enjoyed watching and feeding the birds (and his resident squirrels), reading, playing cards, talking about politics and religion, and trying out new recipes. One of his favorite things was going to Prey for fish on Friday nights.

He was proud to be a veteran and supported the Highground Veterans Memorial. He was part of the ceremonies to place Honor Stones on the Korean War Memorial to recognize his brother, Robert, and his own service. He also placed a Matuszak Family Legacy Stone honoring all of his family members who have served. John was thankful for the opportunity to participate in the Freedom Honor Flight out of La Crosse, WI in May 2013 where he was surprised to see family and friends there to greet him when he returned from Washington, D.C. 

John will be missed and remembered by his family; sister Joan Staffon, sister-in-law Rogene Matuszak. Nephews and nieces; Dennis (Sara) Staffon, Scott (Theresa) Staffon, Julie (Myron) Jurek, Daniel (Julie) Matuszak, Nancy (Paul) Moran, and Chris (Jason) Buttler. Great nephews and nieces; Carin (Aaron) Thoms, Sara (RJ) Lazarz, Peggy (Mike) Anderson, Colleen Anderson, Danielle (Tim) Kromke, Eric Matuszak, Danny (Heather) Moran, David (Emma) Moran, Joey (Katie) Moran, Nick (Maria) Moran, Jake Moran, Matt Moran, Zac Moran, Jordan (Megan) Staffon, Alex (Mike) Smith, and Landen Staffon. Many great-great nephews and nieces; Special friend Clara Pasek; and bonus family, the Gruenkes. 

John is preceded in death by his parents, William and Anna Matusak, brother, Robert Matuszak, brother-in-law, Rodger “Red” Staffon, and his best dog, Sandy. 

John’s family would like to thank the staff at Clark County Rehab and Living Center for his excellent care and Promedica Hospice for keeping him comfortable in his final days. He continually told his family how wonderful the staff were.

A visitation will be held on Friday, April 21st at Gesche Funeral Home in Neillsville from 4 - 7 p.m. with a Rosary service at 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial and military honors will be held on Saturday, April, 22nd at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Neillsville at 10:30 a.m. with visitation held prior to the service starting at 9:30 a.m. 

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting John’s family.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.