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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

John A. Matowitz

September 13, 1943 - November 06, 2025

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