Frank S. Matus, age 77, passed away on June 16, 2019. He was born on October 12, 1941 and grew up on Chicago’s south side. He was a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox and the Chicago Bears.
Frank graduated from Farragut High School in 1959. After taking some community college classes, he decided to join the military. He enlisted with the Marines in 1960, and he served one tour in Vietnam during his 10 years of active duty. Frank continued his service in the reserves until the mid-1990s, ending his military career with the rank of master gunnery sergeant.
Frank’s military service involved inventory control. These skills served him well when he moved into his job at Sharp Electronics. As a supervisor, Frank prided himself on being ahead of schedule, often completing “13 months work in 12.”
Always active, Frank was an avid bowler and softball player. He met his future wife, Shirley, one night during league bowling in 1975. He was acting like “a wild man,” jumping over lanes with his gregarious personality. He offered her a free drink token for the bar where he worked (Sunset Inn), and she accepted. The rest is history! After dating for a year and a half, they married on June 11, 1977. They were blessed with two sons: Corey, born in 1979, and Michael, born in 1984. They were his life.
Even though his job kept him busy, Frank always made time to make it to all the sporting and school events in which his sons were involved. He was able to find time to coach Michael’s PJC Wildcat football program. Frank wanted to make sure his family was always provided for, and for his children to have a better life than he did. His sisters remember him as a second father. His sons’ friends remember him as a father figure as well.
Cherished husband of Shirley Matus (nee Harbert). Devoted father of Corey and Michael (Erin) Matus. Proud grandfather of Maebe Matus. Loving brother of Cindy (Phil) Polakovic and Sheryl (Tom) Callahan. Fond uncle of Melissa (Eric) Russell, Kaitie Polakovic, Patrick Callahan, Timothy Callahan, Cassandra Callahan, Ricky Divizio, Mark Divizio, Janne (Brian) Klepak-Boersma and Larry (Wendy) Klepak. Frank was preceded in death by his parents Steve and Dorothy Matus and his siblings, Toni (John) Divizio, Steve “Butch” Matus and Kathy (John) Bitters.
