Frank A. Matrise, Sr., 83, of Kenosha, passed away on Tuesday, April 27, 2021, at Aurora Medical Center.
Born in Kenosha, on August 8, 1937, he was the son of the late Joseph and Domenica “Minnie” (Meo) Matrise. He graduated from Kenosha St. Mary’s High School in 1955. Frank continued his education along with playing football at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa, graduating in 1959.
On November 21, 1964, he married Sandra “Sandy” (Silk) Matrise at St. Mary Catholic Church in Kenosha, WI. She preceded him in death on November 10, 2020.
After graduating college Frank was hired by St. Joseph High School, where he taught History and Physical Education. He began his coaching career as an Assistant Football Coach and years later became Head Coach. Frank was a very successful Head Wrestling Coach winning 6 consecutive WICAA State Championships from 1961 to 1966 compiling a record of 128-23-3. He also coached Varsity Golf and Track. In 1966, Frank earned his master’s degree in Guidance, Counseling and Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He served numerous years as one of the school’s Guidance Counselors. Frank became the Athletic Director at St. Joseph High School in 1964, where he held the position for 42 of his 47 years, retiring on June 30, 2006.
Frank was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, National Council of Secondary Schools Athletic Directors, American Education and Recreation, Wisconsin Independent Schools Athletic Director Association, Wisconsin Association for Counseling and Development, Wisconsin Career Guidance Association, Chairman of Lakeshore Conference, National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association, National Federation of State High School Association, Wisconsin Athletic Directors Association, American Football Coaches Association, Milwaukee Catholic Coaches Association, Holy Rosary Sports Night Selection Committee, St. Joseph Catholic Academy Hall of Fame Committee, St. Joseph High School Athletic Association, Roma Lodge, and Pi Delta Kappa. He was the founder and director of Big Blue Camps (football, basketball and volleyball) in Kenosha for numerous years.
In 1996, Frank was selected as WISAA “Man of the Year”; Outstanding Football Coach by Mt Carmel Men’s Club; 2004 Holy Rosary Holy Name recognition for student and athlete dedication; 2010 inducted Wisconsin Football Coaches Association; 2014 Retired Athletic Director Award of Merit; 2016 Wisconsin Athletic Directors Hall of Fame; 2019 26th Avenue/Ameche Stadium Road named Frank Matrise Way; 2009 Chuck Jaskwhich Lifetime Coaches Achievement Award; 2010 Wisconsin Football Hall of Fame; Go Sports America Lifetime Achievement Award; 2006 Kenosha Civic Parade Honoree; 1988-1989 Athletic Director of the Year; 2003 The Italian Business Professional Association Recognition Award; St. Joseph High School Hall of Fame as both Coach and Athletic Director.
Frank loved football, which made Fall his favorite season. He was a huge Notre Dame and Wisconsin fan. He enjoyed watching the Cubs, Bucks, and Packers too. SJCA athletics and Tremper football always held a place in his heart. Frank loved his family, especially spending time with his grandchildren and attending as many of their activities as he could. Frank enjoyed traveling. A couple of his favorites were to Europe and Hawaii.
Survivors include his three daughters, Julie (David) Rivera of Kenosha, Gina (Adam) Wnuck of Westerville, OH, and Kathy (Tim) Figlewski of Kenosha; daughter-in-law, Wendy Matrise of Kenosha; eight grandchildren, Erica, Nicole, Amanda, Mackenzie, Ryan, Katelyn, Kyle, and Logan; four great-grandchildren; one brother, Joseph L. Matrise of Flint, MI; three sisters-in-law, Patricia (James) Stahl of Woodstock, IL, Jean Thomas of Genoa City, and Mavis Silk of San Pedro, CA; and one brother-in-law, Fred (Shirley) Silk of Wheatland. He is further survived by loving nieces and nephews.
Frank was preceded in death by his parents, wife, two children, Marie Matrise and Frank A. Matrise, Jr. and sister, Louise Rocca.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Mark Peterson, PA; Dr. Paukner; the late Dr. A.J. Capelli; Alyssa Ricchio, PA; nurses, doctors and everyone at Aurora; Aurora Home and Hospice Team; Robin Way Assisted Living; and Felicia Boerner for all of their love and care of our dad.
Visitation will take place on Friday, May 7th at St. Joseph Catholic Academy in the Joseph & Aldo Madrigrano Gymnasium, 2401 69th Street, Kenosha, WI from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Please use 69th Street entrance. Prayers will be held at Proko Funeral Home on Saturday, May 8th at 9:30 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Saturday, May 8th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. The Mass will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMBJvzU0cXk . Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. The family has chosen memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Academy-Frank Matrise Fitness Center; Boys and Girls Club of Kenosha-Frank Matrise Jr./Pat Quilling Scholarship; Aurora at Home Hospice-In memory of Frank Matrise Sr. would be appreciated. Out of respect for Frank and his family, facial coverings and social distancing are required for attendance.
