J.R. "Dick" Matsch

J.R. “Dick” Matsch, 89, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away on Friday, May 7, 2021. Dick was an only child of Leo and Mae Matsch and born in St. Paul, Minnesota. He was a 1950 graduate of Hastings High School and a 1954 graduate of the College of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota. While in college, he was with ROTC, U.S. Air Force. Dick served in the U.S. Air Force as a communications and electronics officer from 1954 to 1957. He continued his service as a reservist officer. Dick and Margaret were married at St. Mary’s Church in New Trier, Minnesota 66 years ago. Together they raised five children, Debra, Katherine, Kevin, Amy and Kelly. Dick’s lifelong career in credit and financial management in various industries took him and his family across the country to Wisconsin, Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, Indiana, North Carolina and Texas before coming to Wisconsin Rapids where he began a 22-year career at Consolidated Papers, Inc. Dick retired from Consolidated as an Assistant Treasurer in 1996. After retirement from CPI, Dick continued as Treasurer of Consolidated Papers Foundation, Inc./Mead Witter Foundation, Inc. until 2001. Dick served on various church committees and was a member of many business associations, including the National Association of Credit Management, National Automobile Credit Association, Furniture Manufacturers Credit Association and National Treasury Association. Dick enjoyed golfing, bowling, and watching the Packers. He also loved to read. Dick is survived by his wife, Margaret, and children, Debra (Dean), Katherine (Rick), Kevin, Amy (Bob) and Kelly. He is further survived by his grandchildren Nicole, David, Sean, Nathan, Morgan, Heather, Matthew, Andrew, Alyssa, James, Maggie, Anna and Sophia. Step-grandchildren Dane, Alie, and Alaina. Great-grandchildren Victoria, Kayla, Michael, Lorelei, Lennon, Lucy, Joey, Payton, and Harper. Sister-in-law Louise as well as many nephews and nieces. Mass of Christian Burial held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, May 12, 2021, at St. Mary’s Church of New Trier, Minnesota, with Father Michael Tix officiating. Interment will follow at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery in Hastings. We do ask those in attendance to wear masks and respect social distancing guidelines. Family and friends are cordially invited to a visitation for one hour prior to Mass at the church on Wednesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to either St. Mary’s Church of New Trier or St. Vincent de Paul Parish of Wisconsin Rapids. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.