John A. Matowitz

John A. Matowitz

September 13, 1943 - November 06, 2025

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Obituary

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John's Livestream Service will begin at 11 a.m. CT on Friday, November 14, 2025. Scroll down to the Webcast section and click on “Watch Now.”


John Alvin Matowitz, age 82, passed away peacefully at Oak Park Place Community Home in Madison Wisconsin, after a battle of prostate cancer. He was born on September 13th, 1943, to the late Alvin and Gertrude (Zielinski) Matowitz at Theda Clark Hospital in Neenah, Wisconsin. He grew up in Menasha, WI, attended St. John’s Grade School and graduated from Menasha High School in 1961. He served honorably in the US Air Force as an Aircraft Control & Warning Operator from 1962 to 1966.


After his military service, he started a family and worked at George Banta Printing company in Menasha for 21 years. He overcame alcoholism in 1982 and remained sober for 43 years, a milestone he valued deeply.  John earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from UW-Stevens Point in December 1990. He later moved to Madison, WI in 1992 and worked as a substitute teacher at Middleton High School until his retirement.


A devoted sports fan, John supported the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers Milwaukee Bucks & Brewers and was a proud Packers shareholder. He authored and published “Guys Like Us”, a book on WIAA boys high school sports statistics.


John will always be remembered for his funny, witty and sarcastic personality and his deep love for his children, grandchildren, siblings, his AA community and his very best friend Bob Lang. These bonds were very strong.


He is survived by his children, daughter, Deborah (Steven) Sanders; daughter Traci (Anthony Jr.) Genia, granddaughter Katie Genia and predeceased by grandson Leo Genia; his former wife, Nancy Matowitz, mother of his children.


Sister Marilyn Matowitz; predeceased by sister Judy (Ron) Ambrosius, their son Matt Ambrosius and wife Kattie, daughter Amy (Ambrosius) Strebe; sister Kris (Bill) Crockett, their sons, Michael Crockett, Daniel Crockett and wife Elizabeth. As well as nieces, nephews and many cousins.


The family would like to thank the caregivers at the VA Hospital in Middleton, WI and Agrace Hospice.


Thank you to his best friend Bob Lang and Diane Lee for taking dad to his doctor appointments, visiting him almost every day, bringing him perch dinners, Dairy Queen blizzards and homemade ice box cookies.


Thank you to his friends from the 10:10 Serenity Seekers at Fitchburg Serenity Center for Alcoholics Anonymous who also helped dad in his time of need and visited him while in hospice.


Dad, you are remembered and loved by many family and friends, and we know you are no longer in pain and are at peace. Your faith in God was a central part of your life. And on your journey to Heaven, your mother, father, sister and sweet grandson Leo are waiting to greet you. Give them all a big hug & kiss for us. Also, feed the dogs. We love you very much and will forever cherish our time together.


A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. BERNARD CATHOLIC CHURCH, 7450 University Ave., Middleton, at 11 a.m. on Friday, November 14, 2025. A private burial will be held at St. John the Baptist Cemetery (Menasha). Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 am until the time of the Mass on Friday.


Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.


Gunderson West
Funeral & Cremation Care
7435 University Ave.
(608) 831-6761


Events

14
Visitation
Fri Nov 14, 2025 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
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14
Mass of Christian Burial
Fri Nov 14, 2025 @ 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT
St. Bernard Catholic Church (Middleton) • 7450 University Ave, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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Memories

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John
AM
A Memorial Tree was planted for John Alvin Matowitz
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Middleton
CB
Chris and Sherri Bratton
Other •
John was a special guy in my memory and had a tough outside but a soft guy inside who would help anyone he could. He’s going to be missed in Fitchburg.
BW
Bob Watson
Other •
You handsome devil you! It's guys like us that recognize guys like us!
SS
Sandy Strebel
Other •
I worked with John for many years at MHS. At first he seemed a little scary because he was such a big guy. But then I was wearing a Packers sweatshirt, and we talked every day after that. He was such a lovely and kind man! I'm very sorry for your loss, but also the world's loss because we need more people like him in our world.
A
Anonymous
Other •
Deb and Family, Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss. Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
AB
Angel Brooks
Other •
My name is Angel Brooks and I am the property manager at Wexford Place. I have known John since 2022 when I first started managing this property. He has come every summer to use our pool even before me. He has a delightful and charming sense of humor that I’ve enjoyed every summer. Once he is all done swimming, he will sit on the chair, put on his shoes and talk about his family. He talks about his sister, daughters, and grandchildren all the time. He travels to visit them and spend time with them so I won’t see him in the pool for a week because that is what he’s doing. During the fall time he stopped by and the pool was closed and I thought does he know the pool is season is over. When he came through the door, he said why is there no water in the pool? And I say the pool season is over and opens in May. Then he sit down in the chair and says he’s here to use the Fitness room because his doctor told him he is sick and he needs to exercise. I showed him how to use the machines and give him water and told him to drink water every single day. The next day he came back. He asked me “ What am I doing here?”. I said “I don’t know”. He Then said “ You are supposed to say you here to go to the Fittness room and work out for 15 minutes and don’t leave until the 15 minutes is completed”. I said those exact words. And he says thank you. The next day he came back and asked me what am I doing here? I said you are here to go into the Fitness room and work out for 15 minutes and don’t leave until that 15 minutes is completed. And he said thank you. Every summer, I remember his jokes and his stories, and it will honestly put a smile on my face. When I open up the pool each pool season and say the words he always say “we’re back”. I just want the family to know he has impacted my life greatly and I hope all of your hearts are warm with his joy and gentle smile as you get through this tough time.

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