06/13/2026
American Hero
< LCPL John J. Mattek Jr >
12 Sep 1980 - 13 Jun 2005
There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.
John 15:13
< Never Forgotten >
---
In a letter to his sister, Jill, John J. Mattek Jr. recalled going downhill skiing when he was 4 and discovering "the free spirited feeling." "When I felt that feeling, it never left," he wrote. "And doing things such as this keeps me free and nothing stops me." He left another letter for his family in case he died. It quoted William Wallace: "Every man dies, not every man really lives. I have lived."
---
21 yrs ago today, this 24 yr old WARRIOR from Stevens Point, Wis., "GAVE ALL" and now resides at the gates of heaven.
Thank you for your sacrifice brother. I am sorry that you left way too soon and you didn't get to experience the long years of life. We can never repay you and your family for the sacrifice you have made on our behalf. But, I will commit to telling your story so others can learn of the life behind the sacrifice.
Please take a moment to honor, remember and pray for this American Hero and his family. Take time to read about this Marine's life and share this so others can read about the life behind the sacrifice.
Remember everyday is Memorial Day for the families and friends of our Fallen Heroes. Please keep them and our Warriors in your prayers.
If you know the whereabouts of his family please send me a private message with contact info so we can create a Fallen Hero Bible for this American Hero and his family.
Honor, healing and remembrance to you and your family. Stand strong at the gates till we arrive brother!
Saepe Exertus, Semper Fidelis, Frater Infinitas
GODSPEED brother!
In honor and service,
Fallen Heroes Honored
---
24, of Stevens Point, Wis.; assigned to the 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, Regimental Combat Team 2, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C.; died June 13 of wounds sustained in an explosion June 8 while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in Anbar province, Iraq.
---
"Hey brother, It's Ike. We miss you."
Ike of the LAR brotherhood
"It's been 8 years now my friend, I still smile at the good times we had, and tear up realizing there will be no more. You may be gone, but you will not be forgotten. Thank you for your service to our country and for your friendship."
of WI
"Although I never met John, he will always be a part of my life. Let me explain. My stepson George served with John in Iraq. They were like brothers. John had such a huge impact on George that when his son was born, to honor him, he named him Mattek. Mattek is my Grandson and I love him more than words can say. He is a typical 5 year old boy who plays T-ball and wants to be a fireman. He is to young to understand where his name came from but we can't wait to tell him all about the hero he was named after.
As he gets older we're sure that people will ask Mattek about his first name and when they do he will proudly tell everyone about John J. Mattek Jr..... His memory will always live on."
Bob Doyle of New York
"You probably never knew me more than just a youngster coming to lift with the “older guys” your senior year. You, Wojo, and all the other guys were legends to a little 7th grader like me. I remember looking up to you and being amazed by the type of person you were. You were extraordinarily nice and had time for everyone but not afraid to call someone out for something you didn't think was right, no matter who they were. Still to this day I have never met anyone with a presence like yours. You demanded respect and attention without wanting, needing, or asking for it but by being the example to follow and not being afraid to do ANYTHING.
I still have your senior speech on video and a copy of your funeral program. And still get chills watching the video and reading your letter from time to time. I know we all see the same things and just look at them differently, but I try every day to adopt your view of the world. To trust in your values and morals to guide you in living life as hard as you can till the end. To see what's right and see what's wrong. To fight like hell for what is good, and to stand up and be a force against what is bad. You were a man of incredible character with a rare grip on reality in your brief 24 years that most don't have in their full lifetime.
Your memory is not the only thing that lives on in those who were lucky enough to know you. Live hard. Drive fast. Take chances. Know that death is inevitable but fully living is a decision not everyone makes. These are things that will also live on in everyone you’ve inspired, me included. To you, I was probably nothing more than just another little kid. But you treated me no differently than you did everyone else, and for that you will always be a hero of mine who has and will inspire me every day of my life. You were a rare one Johnny. One of the truly great ones. Just wanted to say thank you for something that was probably so little and insignificant to you, you probably didn’t think twice about it. But a little thing that will forever inspire me to be a better person to everyone I meet."
"Johnny..."Our Johnny" I miss you so very much, it just is so hard without. I am so very proud of you and so very proud to say I am you Mom. Love and Miss you My Johnny Angel."
Marsha Mattek of Deerbrook WI USA
"06.13.2005 a date of great sadness, sorrow and loss. 05.01.2011 a day of great joy, freedom and pride in the USA. Two dates that will forever be engraved on our minds. You were a part of the pride and success of this day today. We miss you and love you and wish you were here to celebrate the USA never ending foundation of freedom and perseverance on the war on terrorism. Osama bin Laden is dead. 'O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.'"
of Close to Your Heart and Home
"To me you will always be a red Mustang, the American flag, white T-shirts and a wide smile. No matter how much time passes, I still find myself thinking about you. No regrets, just lots of smiles."
"Peace my Brother, Peace."
Lazy of Oswego, IL
"It has been 5 years and I still do not have the words to express what a great emptiness that still lingers in my soul with your passing, and in the same respect how very proud I am of you; I remember the day you came into Cellcom and told me you enlisted and I told you how proud I was of you. I laughed the times you lost your cell phone in the water, once a lake and once a hot tub, I replaced your phone the first time and then the second time all with in a VERY short period, I was not supposed to the second time, but I took it upon myself to do so with NO regrets, I remember you telling me, Yvette don't tell my mom, she will kill me; Oh how I laughed and you just gave that big smile. I loved the way you would talk proudly of your family, and with love.
The last phone I gave you was the kyocera they put with you when they laid you to rest. For some reason it touched my heart deeply. I will remember you with such deep gratitude for the laughs, smiles and tenderness in your heart. One of the many things that will stay with me, is the way you would always pull up in your car and jump out with the car still running and leave the car door open, always go, go ,go! Sometimes we can meet someone who just touches our lives in a way that no one else has and that my friend is you. I only new you for 2 years, but I am so thankful for those 2 short years. I miss you Johnny."
Yvette-Sharee' of Antigo, WI
"Don't weep for me
O' Land of the free
When it was my time to fall
'Twas for my country's call
'Twas for the land that I loved,
That I gave my all
And for the land that I loved,
I did freely give
And in her freedom
And her courage
I'll continue to live"
of Antigo, WI
"Miss you, Johnny. Thinking of you today and always."
of WI
"I can't believe tomorrow will be four years. It's difficult to relive that moment I found out, and looking back on it stirs up those emotions again. So much has happened since then while that part of my life seems frozen in time. I often wonder how different things would have been if that phone call never came. But you left me something very special when you left, and quite possibly the best gift a person could ask for - a family. I would never have expected to develop the type of relationship I have with your family. They mean more to me than you know. Well, then again, I'm sure you do know because I think this was all part of the plan. So since I can’t have you, I have the next best thing – the love, support, kindness, and care of a truly remarkable family. The Mattek’s. But I can't help but be angry sometimes because this time I spend with them should be with you too. I make all of these new wonderful memories, holding on to the memory of you. I'm going to Hodag this year! So finally after all the times you told me about it, I'm getting there. I’ll also be there to help Matt ring in his 21st birthday! I’ll be sure to do him justice – Johnny style. It’s probably a good thing you’re not there for that – he might not have survived the night!! And I will be there thinking of you and how I wish you were with me. I always wish you are with me. Every time I get off the plane in WI and your Mom and sister come to pick me up, I wish you were there. And every time I go back to Wilmington and hit the bars, I wish you were there. And most of all, I wish every time I opened up the door from a long day at work, you were there. Of course I know you are always with me in spirit, but I just miss you. So much. Reading through these messages left about you just reminds me how lucky I am. You are amazing. You’re family is amazing. And I feel blessed for having you and now them. So thank you for that. Thanks for being my guardian angel – I know you are always looking after me."
That Girl
"I thought of you on this day that marks 4 years. Know that we miss you more than our hearts can express and we pray for you and your family everyday.
"You may wonder if it mattered, if your service and sacrifice made a difference, if it stood the test of time," he said. "You may rest easy. I have seen your service live."
It is because of you that we are able to live the lives that we do.
Love You!"
"the times great times we had
and the great times we planned,
why do I feel so damned
you made each day brighter
laughing, smiling and laughter
But you are gone and I am here
One day my friend,
we will share another beer."
of texas
"Touch down Tommy and Jen had a beautiful baby girl, Taylor and Yon and Tori had a cute little boy, Trig. You were there for both, we all know. Love you so much big bro!"
Jem of EC
"Merry Christmas. Thought of you and still miss you more than you know."
of Wisconsin
"Thank you, we miss you so very much"
of wisconsin
"Happy birthday a few days late. We drank to you on Friday with our old buddy JACK. We feel you around and miss you more than you know."
of Livin' It in Wisconsin
"Happy birthday, Champ!"
"Under the wide and starry sky,
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Gladly did I live and gladly die...
Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill."
--Robert Louis Stevenson"
Reminders
"Johnny, i'm in Iraq right back in Korean Village where we were back in 2005. There isnt a day that goes by where you dont come across my mind. I've been by the exact site numerous times and it saddens me everytime. we all miss you very much, you will never be forgotten. God Bless The Mattek family, Johnny was a great guy.
-Sgt Barter
[email protected]
[email protected]"
Will Barter of Iraq
"I remember when Johnny was sent to supplement our company in Haiti. SSgt Kennedy told me we were getting a new driver and it was my job to train him up right. I don't think anything could have prepared me for Johnny. He had this awesome air of confidence about him all the while approaching life like a kid with a new bike and no fear. The guy talked so fast he had you convinced to go do something before you even realized he asked the question. Johnny stayed one of my best friends and before I knew it we were spinning donuts in his mustang every weekend in Wilmington jamming out to the Footloose soundtrack. He was the most giving man I ever met. And I am honored to have been able to serve with him and even more honored to have been able to call him my friend. I think I speak for the whole Wilmington Crew when I say you will never be forgotten. So in the words of Automatic Mattek himself, "Gotta go, See ya, Bye!""
Joushua Bailey of Baxter Springs KS
"I dreamt of you last night. There you were, larger than life. It made me miss you more than ever. I'll never forget you Johnny!"
You Know Who of Wisconsin
"Johnny, lovin' the snow this winter in Wisconsin thanks for speaking to God and sending it our way. But what I wouldn't give for TX right now sitting on a beach with a beer. Always thinking of you. Prayers to your family."
of Wisconsin
"Johnny- Wisconsin is going to get HIT with snow and all I can think of right now is you and snowmobiling. You knew how to live it and you lived it well and took chances. Thanks for watching over me and giving me strength to live it just as well. Love you and I can't wait to take out a sled and ride with you by my side this winter. Know I think of you daily and send prayers up for your family."
One Who Misses You More Than You Know of WI
"Dear Mattek Family-
My name is Major Justin Wallace, I had the opportunity to meet you briefly at the memorial service in Camp Lejeune. I was your son's company commander (E Co) when he was hit. I was nervous about shaking your hand much less talking to you about the incident that day, but I want you to know that your son as well as Nathan Clemons (killed on June 14th) occupy my thoughts daily. I was in a helicopter conducting a reconnaissance when up ahead near the town of Rutbah, I saw Johnny's vehicle on fire. I went up and talked to the pilots to get them to land and they told me the medevac helicopter was coming up behind us. Two other Marines were wounded in the attack as well. Johnny was the gunner, the vehicle commander (who was also one of my pltcmdrs) and one of the scouts. From the air, I could see the pltsgt preparing the landing zone and loading the wounded on to stretchers. I had the helecopter follow the medevac back to the camp and met them all being carried into the shock trauma plt. I will never forget that day or your son for the rest of my life. Please let me know if there is anything I can ever do for your family.
[email protected]"
Major Justin Wallace of Camp Pendleton, CA
"Johnny,
I still remember playing football with you and working out in the weight room. I miss talking with you whenever we would see each other and I will keep you in my prayers along with every soldier that has served and currently serving. I am proud of the fact that we both joined the military, although I am in the Army, I am proud to have known you and know where you have been because I too was there. I will never forget the sacrifice you have made and will keep you in my prayers forever."
SGT Derek Leach, US Army Infantry of Antigo, Wi
"Thank you, Johnny, for serving our country with such pride and integrity. Your actions will not be forgotten."
Steckbauer of Green Bay, WI
"SEMPER FIDELIS
LCPL J FORD
I went to bootcamp On Oct. 16 2003 and John was in my platoon. I am glad to have met him and had him at times as a squad leader. John was the Best example of what any man should be in integrity and in honnor. God bless"
LCPL JESSE FORD of USMC
"mrs mattek this is keith you just sent me a picture of john and his highschool friends i thank you and am glad to have served with john, he is the best friend and marine anyone could of asked for. even better yet john has had crazy fun nights but he always kept his head straight and ours, i would like to offer myself as not to be john but, i would like you to know i will try to be a brother if needed and a son, but i can only say this that john was an awesome friend and i know in my heart he is here and he helped me come nback and the rest or us from platoon 3134 lima company, i was amazed by the way he would just draw you to him and would give anything to make him proud so i offer ,myself in the shadow of john. thank you so much for letting me get to know your son, semper fi and faith always,"
keith of michigan
"To the Mattek family,
I am the fiance of LCPL Jensen who was stationed at Camp Pendleton CA,with your son. My fiance has had a hard time writing to you and expressing what Mattek's,(as my fiance calls him) friendship ment to him while they were both away from the same home, Wisconsin. But he wants you to know that he has many fond memories of Mattek, some how Mattek kept him smiling. Even though the lose is great it keeps my fiance motivated to do his best to serve Mattek's memory. So from both of us, God bless and when we hear the name John Mattek Jr. our memories are joyful."
Jensen of Elk Mound WI
"Johnny,
I miss you everyday. I will cherish the memories we made the months before you left. We had a lot of fun times in NC:
Rum Runners and Hell's Kitchen - I'm sure the bartenders will be asking me about you soon!
The sound of your car pulling up right through the yard to claim your parking spot next to the porch.
When you apologized to the neighbors after they left a note on your car to "Please stop revving your engine...it is REALLY annoying. Thanks, the entire neighborhood." It still makes me laugh when I think about it.
The time you scared the crap out of me when you took off to drag race 2 other cars in the middle of Wilmington and they followed us to the restaurant after you beat them.
The skid marks you left in the church and across the street.
The Toblerone and Clearly Canadian.
Sushi nights and the look on your face when you loaded yours up with wasabi.
Finding notes in random places.
I could go on and on, but the important thing is that you will live in my heart and mind forever. It hurts to think that you are not coming home, but I know it was your destiny to fall on the battlefield, you wouldn't have had it any other way. I always admired your courage and your cause and I have the utmost respect for you. You had this way about you...the room would suddenly feel more upbeat and everyone was in a good mood when you got there. You still put a smile on my face and I am so glad I had the pleasure of knowing you, who would have thought things would have turned out the way they did considering how we met....hahaha, you know what I mean ;-)
My deepest sympathies to Johnny's family. You raised a wonderful man that was loved by many. Know that he will live on forever in our hearts.
Johnny - you are truly "That Guy.""
Tamara Lukjanczuk of Wilmington, NC
"I can remember the first time I met Johnny in Steiner Hall at UWSP. How could I forget, he was after all my first college crush. And could you blame me, Johnny with his good looks and charasmatic personality. Everytime he stopped by my room he'd put a smile on my face and make me laugh. Always making fun of how gullible I was. I'll always remember and cherish those times, and he will still put a smile on my face and keep me laughing. I am so proud of Johnny and I have the upmost respect for him and everything he did. I am honored to have had the opportunity to know him. Rest in Peace Johnny. I know I'll see you again someday."
Courtney Grosenick of Germantown, WI
"Two weeks ago we lost our dear nephew, Lance Corporal Dustin Birch in Iraq. In the New Testament there are the parables of the Lost Coin, the Lost Sheep and the Lost Son (the prodigal). I believe these writings were included to bring comfort to those who have lost someone/something in their lives also. To assure all that everything lost - everyone lost, including your John - will be found once again. In Luke the Savior tells us that He "came to save that which was lost." May these words bring comfort to you - along with the knowledge that all of our prayers - and gratitude for your family's sacrifice are lasting. “These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we attain too cheaply, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods; and it would be strange indeed if so celestial an article
as freedom should not be highly rated.”
THE AMERICAN CRISIS
by Thomas Paine, published December 19, 1776"
Kirkham's of Salt Lake City, Utah
"To the Matteks,
I am so proud to have met your family, even though it was under the worst possible conditions. Stay strong and remember that your son's memory keeps us motivated!
Semper Fi!
Capt Licari and the Marines of Bethesda"
Capt Tony Licari of Bethesda MD
"A fallen soldier...A risen hero
Johnny, you were the greatest! Watching you on Friday nights when you were in high school, on the football field was too much fun. You were the most energetic on the field and made the biggest hits. When you kicked the ball on the kickoff, you were the first one to make the tackle everytime, and thats not suppose to happen, because you don't see many kickers making the tackle, but you did. You were a great friend to everyone, and did everything at 110%. For this I salute you and honor you, and respect everything that you did, and you did live a life that most never do.
Good men shouldn't go!
Sincerely,"
Marcus Wiegert of Deerbrook, Wisconsin
"Johnny "automattek" Mattek Jr.
From all of us...
From the guys at the Final Score who you helped smile on Wednesday nights...
From the guys and gals who danced with you in South Padre, TX...
From your teammates and coaches who who need more players like you...
From your soldier buddies who i'm sure would have followed you anywhere...
From all your friends from the University of Wisconsin at Stevens Point...
From every free American and free citizen on Earth...
From evry person fortunate to have spent even a little time with you over the years...
You will be so greatly missed. We will laugh and smile in your honor the way you would for one of us. We will tell Johnny "automattek" stories until the sun comes up. We will take great pride in the life you chose for the better of all of us. We all send our prayers to your familly.
Thank You John J. Mattek, Jr.
Thank You So Much"
Cody Macartney of Madison, WI USA
"For john J. Mattek Jr.
Each time I see a waving flag, my eyes see so much more, The ones who died to save us from an evil at our door. The Army and the Navy, the Air Force and Marines, Have paid the price so I am free to live and see my dreams. The Army Reserve and Coast Guard, always at the country's call, To serve, protect and help us as they daily give their all. And though this country still is young; we're strong and we have power, Because of those who sacrifice, who'll go at any hour. I call you friend, my soldier, for someone who'd give their life, Is more than just a friend to me, for you were there to fight. And fight you have for freedom and the rights we hold so dear, You fought so we can live in peace and not live life in fear. I know there's nothing I can do that can and will repay, The debt of gratitude I owe when I woke up today. For when I leave my home today, I know that I can be, And speak and go where I may want, and that's because I'm free. This country is so blessed to have the soldier brave and true, So I salute you now my friend; my hat is off to you. Because of you I have a choice of where I go to work, Or where I live or go to school or where I go to church. I have the right to speak my mind and freedom of the press, The right to have a weapon or to start a street protest. But rights and freedoms would not be at our foundation's core, If you'd not fought the battles and the long and bloody wars. For those who don't believe in war or going out to fight, Are those who cannot understand the reasons we have rights. And those who think that war's a crime and want to live in peace, Are blinded by the devil's lies, for war has made us free. We're free today because of you; you've suffered, bled and died, Not one has ever died in vain for God is on our side. To thank you seems so incomplete for words cannot contain,The gratitude that's in my heart for wounded limbs and pain. The families that you leave at home, the friends you leave behind, Are proud of you and thankful for the sacrifice of time. No matter where you go or fight, where you may live or serve, Please know that there are those at home who mean these grateful words. Because of you this country lives in freedom, peace and wealth, And I don't take for granted every battle war has dealt. Though grateful words are not enough and they can never be, I'll say what's truly on my heart - because of you, I'm free."
J. Harrod (Veteran) of California
---
The Battle of Al Qaim (code-named Operation Matador) was a military offensive conducted by the United States Marine Corps, against insurgent positions in Iraq's northwestern Anbar province, which ran from 8 May 2005 to 19 May 2005. It was focused on eliminating insurgents and foreign fighters in a region known as a smuggling route and a sanctuary for foreign fighters.
In mid-May 2005, Task Force 3/2 and elements of Task Force 3/25 (3rd Battalion/2nd Marines, 3rd Battalion/25th Marines, 4th Assault Amphibian Bn, 2nd Light Armored Reconnaissance Bn,B Co 4th Combat Engineer Bn, 2nd Platoon A Co 1st Tank Bn, and a detachment of H-1's from HMLA 269 ) conducted a sweep of an insurgent-held area near the Syrian border. 814th Engineer Company (MRB) led the initial offensive; breaching the river obstacle with a floating bridge while conducting concurrent rafting. It lasted eleven days, during which the U.S. troops killed more than 125 suspected insurgents and captured 39 others. The Marines captured and destroyed many weapon caches and suffered 9 killed in action and 40 wounded in action. Notable among these casualties was a squad from 1st Platoon, Lima Company 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines which had all of its members killed or wounded, mostly while embarked in an AAV that was struck by an IED.
Many of the insurgents encountered were not wearing uniforms, and in some cases were wearing protective vests. Furthermore, coalition officials noted that the training, tactics and organization displayed by the insurgents battled in the Syrian desert exceeded that which had been seen in other engagements further east, with only the exception of the former members of the Fedayeen (that comprised a large portion of insurgents fought by the Coalition in Operation Vigilant Resolve.) Thus it is plausible to believe that the Fedayeen made a large portion of the insurgents fought in Matador.
Additionally, the Marines in Matador did not have sufficient numbers to set up a permanent garrison in Al-Qa'im and the other insurgent held towns and withdrew as a result. Consequently, as soon as they left guerilla fighters were back in the towns and reestablished control over the town. Insurgents' continued presence in the Syrian desert meant that the Syrian border would remain a viable route for smuggling military equipment used by the insurgency .The engagement could loosely be described as a running battle, with the heaviest fighting taking place in urban environments located in Ubaydi, Arabi, and Al-Qa'im, all are cities in the insurgent dominated Al Anbar Governorate. It was followed by Operation Squeeze Play.
---
By Kelly McBrideFor the Wausau Daily HeraldANTIGO – Those who knew Marine Lance Cpl. John Mattek Jr. say he gave everything he had to everything he did.A mourning Wisconsin community honored Mattek’s legacy Monday as the man it knew as Johnny was buried with full military honors following a standing-room-only funeral service at St. John Catholic Church in Antigo.The 1,000 mourners who packed the church told only part of the story. As the funeral procession wound its way to St. Wencel’s Cemetery, residents sat sentinel on porches, stood silently waving flags or just paused a moment on the side of Highway 45 to pay their respects. Amid flags flying half-staff, restaurant and gas station signs reading “Our hero – John Mattek Jr.” and other tributes, family and friends prepared to say goodbye.Mattek, a former University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point student and 1999 graduate of Antigo High School, died June 13 from injuries suffered June 8 during combat operations in Iraq.
He was 24. When John Mattek Jr. left for Iraq, he left a letter with his family, telling them they’d know when the time was right to read it. If he returned, he said, he expected the letter back unopened. The letter is dated March 3.The flag stands for freedom and I will defend her. No matter what the cause, because the cause is just paperwork for the weak. It’s the buddy to my left and right that will be defended by my hand, my blade, my bullet. I will fear no man, no enemy. I will forego heaven if hell is where the fight is. I have done what I have done and I will do what I will do. At the end of the day God will decide where my soul lay. Upon the arrival of this day there will be peace on the battlefield and at home. Thy shall not mourn my death, but celebrate my life. Because every man dies, but not every man really lives. I have lived …USMC Infantry Lcpl. Mattek, J.J.. But even as his family and community mourned the loss of Mattek, they celebrated the man – and the U.S. Marine – he had been.
Recalling the high school commencement speech her big brother gave in 1999, 18-year-old Jill Mattek told the packed church that “it takes a little more to be a champion.””He never second-guessed anything,” Jill Mattek said. “He joined the Marines to fight (for) a cause, a cause he truly believed in. … He died on the battlefield. Johnny doesn’t want us to mourn today. He wants us to celebrate his life. He had what it took to be a champion.”After Jill Mattek spoke of her brother’s zest for life, Matt Mattek, 16, read the letter Johnny left behind in case he didn’t return. The hand-lettered words that were printed in each funeral bulletin reiterated the Marine’s commitment to cause and country.”Upon the arrival of this day, there will be peace on the battlefield and at home,” Matt Mattek read. “Thy shall not mourn my death, but celebrate my life. Because every man dies. But not every man really lives. I have lived.”As Jill and Matt Mattek returned to their seats, a moment of absolute silence was ended by thunderous applause.Eight Marines escorted Mattek’s flag-draped casket during the funeral, followed during the processional and recessional by his parents, John Sr. and Marsha Mattek, younger siblings Jill and Matt Mattek and oldest sister Katie Devore, her husband, Mike, and son, Bryce.
Five-year-old Bryce, Mattek’s nephew, sat in his grandmother’s arms as mourners filed out from the pews during Communion. Some paused, heads bowed, to lay a hand on the casket.During his homily, the Rev. Jeremiah Worman also recalled Mattek’s speech from high school graduation. At the end of the speech – which was replayed during Sunday’s visitation at the Bradley Funeral Home in Antigo – Mattek had paused to request a moment of silence for those classmates who might not make it to their 10th high school reunion.”Today,” Worman said as he concluded the homily, “let us give that moment of silence.”Everyone did.At Mattek’s graveside, he was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart, the honor bestowed upon members of the military wounded or killed in combat. Marsha Mattek accepted the award on her son’s behalf.As the Marines gave their 21-gun salute and the low, sorrowful sound of “Taps” cut through the humid air, the muffled sniffles of mourners became audible sobs. Receiving a folded American flag, Marsha Mattek clutched the banner tightly as the graveside service wound down.Lingering near her brother’s grave as mourners began to disperse, Jill Mattek seemed reluctant to leave. Finally, she blew a kiss, gave a little wave toward the casket and walked away.During the ceremony, Johnny’s little sister had read from his letter home dated May 26.”If ultimate victory can only be gained when I am laid to rest, then I shall sleep well,” the letter said. “And you shall, too.”
---
LCPL Mattek was the president of his class three out of four years in high school in Antigo, WI.
“He was a great kid,” Tom Weix, Mattek’s wrestling coach when he was a high school senior, recalled. He was a go-getter, definitely a leader.”
After high school Mattek attended the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point. Mattek enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2003 and deployed to Iraq March of that year.
Antigo High Principal and a coach Thomas Zamzow said:” I could tell even then he definitely was a leader and a motivator of the team. He was willing to step up and set a good example.”
Mattek was a captain of the football team when he was a senior linebacker and was among those in his class voted most likely to succeed. “He was one of those kids who you appreciated because he was willing to take on responsibility and be a leader,” the principal said.
“He was a unique individual. He just lived life to the fullest,” Weix said.
At his funeral the Rev. Jeremiah Worman told mourners “John was proud. He was proud of all he was,” and described the Marine as a farmer’s son, a guy best known as “Johnny” and a military man “doing his best, being proud of his community, country and God.”
Before he left for Iraq, Mattek gave his family a letter to open only in case of his death. His brother, Matt Mattek, read the letter in which the Marine promised to “fear no man, no enemy” and vowed to forgo heaven “if hell is where the fight is … They shall not mourn my death, but celebrate my life. Because every man dies, but not every many really lives. I have lived.”
His sister, Jill Mattek, read a separate letter in which Mattek recalled going downhill skiing when he was 4. Mattek said that experience introduced him to what he called “the free spirited feelin’. When I felt that feeling, it never left,” he wrote. “And doing things such as this keeps me free and nothing stops me.” In closing, Mattek told his sister, “We all see the same thing. We just look at it differently. Live hard, drive fast, take chances.” He signed the letter, Johnny.
When Mattek was his high school senior class president, he offered the welcoming remarks for the graduation ceremonies and asked his classmates for a moment of silence to honor those who might not be present for the 10-year class reunion in 2009.
