Antone Nick Matalas Jr. passed away peacefully at his home on June 27, 2026.
Nick was born on March 8, 1950, to Antone Sr. and Mildred (Jelinek) Matalas. He was
raised on the family farm near Merrillan, where he learned the value of hard work and
dedication at a young age—qualities that remained with him throughout his life.
On September 9, 1978, Nick was united in marriage to Sherry Johnson, beginning a
partnership filled with love and shared memories spanning nearly 48 years.
Throughout his working years, Nick was known as a dependable and hardworking man
who took pride in doing a job well done. He retired in 2015 from the Jackson County
Highway Department after many years of dedicated service.
Nick found joy in the simple pleasures of life. He enjoyed tinkering in his pole shed,
spending time outdoors, working in the yard, and tending to his garden, which was
always beautiful and plentiful. Some of his favorite moments were spent competing in
horseshoe tournaments with his son and taking evening rides in the side-by-side with
his wife and daughter.
Nick is survived by his loving wife, Sherry; his son, Antone Nick Matalas III and wife
Catherine; and his daughter, Paige Marie Matalas. He is also survived by his siblings,
Connie Noffke, Randy (Kristy), Rick (Dar), and Ronnie (Tamie), along with many
extended family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Antone Sr. and Mildred Matalas; his
stepmother, Lillian Matalas; and his grandparents.
Funeral services for Nick will be held at 11am on Tuesday, July 7 at the United
Methodist Church in Merrillan, WI. Friends may call during visitation on Monday, July 6
from 4pm-6pm at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton, and at the church from
10am until the start of services.
The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family.