Micheal Anthony Matuszak was born on May 11, 1941, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Joseph and Harriet Matuszak. When he was young, his family moved to Wausau, Wisconsin, where he attended Wausau High School and focused above all on playing football.

He proudly wore number 34—a number he cherished for the rest of his life. As a senior fullback, he earned All-State honors and a reputation for being “tough as nails.” He later earned a degree in residential design, which led to a lifelong career in home design and the lumber industry, primarily with Kindt Corp. and Cedarburg Lumber.

Mike met the love of his life, Sue Kell, in high school. They began dating and married on September 16, 1961. Together, they built an inseparable partnership and were blessed with six children, 13 grandchildren, and 18 great-grandchildren.

They loved nothing more than attending family activities—from sporting events and spelling bees to plays and concerts. Everyone knew who Grandpa was!

Mike had a keen interest in golf and fishing. After hacking his way through a hole, he could be heard saying, “Give me a four!” He never hit a ball without having a reserve ball at the ready in his pocket.

His love of fishing frequently took him to Canada and inspired the same appreciation for the sport in his children and grandchildren. His largest catch was a 52-inch Muskie. He was also very proud of his one and only fantasy football trophy.

As the patriarch of a large family, Mike led by example: love the Lord, love your family, and enjoy life to the fullest. He often reminded others that life is too short to spend it doing something you do not enjoy.

His greatest example of leadership was the devotion he showed to Mom—his beloved Susie—through 65 years of marriage. He adored her and would do anything for her.

Mike was preceded in death by his father, Joseph; his mother, Harriet; his brothers, Joseph and Lawrence; his sister, Rita; and his daughter-in-law, Cheri.

He is survived by his wife, Sue; his children, Michael (Natalie), Scott (Ann), Douglas (Cindy), Todd (Michelle), Matthew (Jodi), and Aaron (Karen); his grandchildren, Molly (Sam), Eric (Jordan), Katie (Dylan), Jacob (Leah), Sarah, Andrew (Sha’Twa), Rio, Dante, Amanda, Dylan, Monte, Madison, and Landon; his great-grandchildren, Kip, Tucker, Jack, Cooper, Micah, Maximillian, Sasha, Power, Khaleesi, Mahalo, Krysta, Zoey, Marie, Charlotte, Braedon, Bryce, Brody, and Harper; his brothers, Steve (Ruth) and Ed; and his sisters, Louise (Rod) and Annette (Mike).

Memorial donations may be made to Compassion International or Samaritan’s Purse.

The funeral and memorial service will be held at Brooklife in Mukwonago, Wisconsin, on October 16, with visitation at 10:00 a.m. and the service at 11:00 a.m.