James T. Matalas, 85, of Merrillan, WI, died Wednesday at the Pine View Care Center, Black River Falls, WI. He was born June 19, 1915 in Adams Township, Jackson County, WI, to parents, John and Frances, nee Grenkowetz, Matalas. He served in the Army during World War II. He married Irene Callahan on Nov. 24, 1945 in Mauston, WI. They lived in Chicago for many years. He worked for the Pullman Steel Warehouse as a foreman for 26 years. He was preceded in death by his wife in 1982. In 1986 he moved to Merrillan where he enjoyed fishing with his brother and playing cards. In 1995 he moved to the Pine View Care Center where he resided until his death. Survivors include a daughter, Joan (Tom) Zonka of Union Pier, MI; two brothers, George and Tony (Lil) Matalas, both of Merrillan, WI; three sisters, Josephine Peavey of Wausau, WI, Marie Johnston of Eau Claire, WI and Fifi (Floyd) Gates of Merrillan, WI; a grandson, James Setzke of Chicago; also nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Besides his wife, he was preceded by a brother, William; and infant children. Services will be at 1 p.m. Sunday at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home, Hixton, WI, 715-963-2311 . Entombment will be at the Evergreen Cemetery and Mausoleum, Evergreen Park, on Monday at 3 p.m. Friends may call Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. and one hour prior to services Sunday at the funeral home.
