MADISON - Robert “Bob” Matzat, age 87, of Madison, WI, passed away in the afternoon on June 19, 2026, at UW Hospital and Clinics.

Bob was born on July 29, 1938, on a farm south of Tomah, Wisconsin. He attended a rural one-room grade school followed by Tomah High School and the University of Wisconsin at River Falls.

On August 6, 1960, he married his high school sweetheart Faye Scott and they raised two children Susan and David.

He started out as a farmer’s son. Then he worked his way through college as a casket maker and a firefighter. After graduating he earned a lifetime teaching certification and taught Agriculture and Industrial Arts in Taylor and Westfield Wisconsin. He then took a job with Rural Insurance as an adjuster. Finally, he worked for MSI Insurance as a loss control representative until retirement.

He enjoyed being outdoors. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, camping, and gardening. He also enjoyed traveling. He visited all 49 continental states, Canada, Mexico and Central America.

His garden produces greens and vegetables that he picked and enjoyed for lunch on his remaining days before he passed.

He was preceded in death by his father, Albert Matzat; his mother, Inez Matzat and his kinship care cousin, Lois Lemon.

He is survived by his loving wife, Faye Matzat; his children, Susan Matzat and David (Mary Cris) Matzat; and his grandchildren, Sarah, Nycholaus, and Maximillian; his sister Patricia Carlson (Eugene); nephews Mike (Heather) and Lance (Pam) Heilman; grand-nephews Eric (Stephanie) Bryant (Tara) and Isaiah; and four great grand-nieces.

A funeral service will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 734 Holy Cross Way, Madison, at 11 a.m. on Friday, June 26, 2026, with the Rev. Piet Van Kampen presiding. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday.

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Robert "Bob" Herman Matzat

July 29, 1938 - June 19, 2026

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