Antone Nick Matalas Jr.

Antone Nick Matalas Jr. 

Antone Nick Matalas Jr. passed away peacefully at his home June 27, 2026.

Nick was born 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 Sept. 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 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 7, at the United Methodist Church in Merrillan, WI. Friends may call during visitation Monday, July 6 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home of Hixton and at the church from 10 a.m. until the start of services. 

The Jensen-Modjeski Funeral Home is assisting the family.