Frank A. Matrise, Jr., of Kenosha, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, July 11th surrounded by his loving family. Born on January 1, 1966, in Kenosha; he was the son of Frank and Sandra (Silk) Matrise. He graduated from St. Mary’s Grade School, St. Joseph High School (1984), Carthage College (1990) and from Olivett Nazarene with his master’s degree. On July 5, 1997, he married Wendy Hunkeler at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Catholic Church. Frank taught fourth grade at Frank Elementary for 8 years, and later was the Dean of Students at Tremper High School for 21 years. He coached football for 34 years, he was the head coach at Tremper for 19 years and then later coached at St. Joseph Catholic Academy. He was a member of the Roma Lodge, Italian Businessmen Association, Wisconsin Football Coaches Association, WFCA District Representative, President WFCA, WIAA Football Advisory Board, American Football Coaches Association, and St. Mary Excellence Education Committee. Frank won many awards over the years, but the most notable being the 2011 Dick and Marjory Rundle Positive Influence of Coach Award; SE Conference and WFCA Coach of the Year, which he was awarded on a few occasions. In 2016, he was inducted into the Wisconsin Football Coaches Association Hall of Fame, joining his dad who was inducted in 2010. He loved all athletics, especially football. He was a Notre Dame, Wisconsin Badger, Cubs, and Packer’s fan. He enjoyed attending family gatherings, reunions, and parish festivals, as well as, traveling to Walt Disney World and taking cruises. Christmas was his favorite holiday. He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially with his children, Katelyn and Kyle. Frank is survived by his wife, Wendy Matrise of Kenosha; his twins, Katelyn and Kyle Matrise both of Kenosha; his parents, Frank and Sandra Matrise, Sr, of Kenosha; three sisters, Julie (David) Rivera of Kenosha, Gina (Adam) Wnuck of Wentzville, MO, Kathy (Tim) Figlewski of Bollingbrook, IL; mother-in-law, Dolores Hunkeler of Kenosha; and many loving nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Joseph and Minnie Matrise; maternal grandparents, Mike and Mae Silk; father-in-law, Lee Hunkeler; and sister, Marie Matrise. A visitation will be held on Thursday, July 18th at Proko Funeral Home from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Prayers will be held on Friday, July 19th at the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, July 19th at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 10:00 a.m. Entombment will follow at All Saints Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the family would be appreciated, a donation will be made towards academic scholarship funds in Frank’s name, as well as for Katelyn and Kyle. Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111 60th St. 262 654 3533Visit & Sign Frank’s Online Memorial Book At:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Larry Carbone
July 19, 2019
Frankie was a passionate, energetic spirit. What I appreciated most was his positive attitude with family, friends and his players. I truly loved his competitive spirit, instilling in his players the desire to always do your best. While Frankie spent too little time with us, he had tremendous impact on those he touched. We will miss him dearly but his spirit and great smile will live on. Larry Carbone
Jim pulera
July 18, 2019
Our condolences from the Jim Pulera family
Alex Hagen
July 18, 2019
Coach Matrise was a great mentor to me on and off the field. It was a privilege to be a part of the Tremper teams from 2004-2008. My sympathies to the Matrise family. Alex Hagen
Cynthia Bruno
July 18, 2019
I am sending our deepest sympathies to the Matrise family. Our prayers go out to the familiy for blessings and comfort.We have some wonderful memories of Coach Matrise, from being a part of the 2003 and 2004 Tremper football team. Coach saw to it that we were all like a close family. There was lots of good food and togetherness! We will always remember Coach Matrise and miss him. He was a man of intergrity and heart, a true community leader. Rest In Peace Coach Matrise.❤
Nan Erdahl
July 17, 2019
Frank and I attended St. Mary's grade school together. I have not seen him since we graduated in 1980, but we were "facebook friends." From everything I am reading through articles and tributes, he sounds like he was a fantastic guy. I can honestly believe that. The entire family has my sincere condolences and my prayers.
carrie moore
July 17, 2019
Sending my condolences and prayers to the Matris family. I was saddened to read about Frank Matrise dying, he was a great guy!Carrie Moore
cathy hagg
July 17, 2019
Frank was a special person who had the ability and desire to reach out and influence the lives of so many people. His positive, happy, and quizzical personality make him loved by many. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to get to know him as a colleague and friend. He will be greatly missed by all but will alway be remembered and appreciated. Thank you for sharing a little bit of your time here with me. Your smile and laughter will live on.
Mike O'Neill
July 16, 2019
I had the great fortune to know Coach Matrise through coaching with him in the mid - 1990's. Coach Follis put us in charge of the JV squad back then and we had a blast together. Thursday afternoon games with scouting on Friday nights are times that I will always treasure. We always hit the best buffet in the town we were scouting in. He was able to initiate fun into practices and the kids loved him for it. Coach Matrise will always be remembered in the great city of Kenosha and coaching circles throughout the state of Wisconsin. Thank you Coach for everything. Mike O'Neill
Katie and Ken Hagen
July 16, 2019
Coach was a big influence in our son (class of 2008) Alex Hagen’s life—on and off the football field. Our heartfelt sympathies to the entire Matrise family. May the memories you have help you through this difficult time.
Melanie Holly
July 16, 2019
Coach Matrise was such a positive influence in our lives. He was a great guy to be around and brought out the best in others. Our thoughts and prayers are with Wendy and the kids. Sending love from Green Bay. Brett and Mel (Degener) Holly
Michele Zalokar
July 16, 2019
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. Frank will be missed as a treasure of the Kenosha community. He was a respected coach and a good friend to our son!Deepest condolences,Michele and Gary Zalokar
Maggie Riddle
July 15, 2019
I remember working with Frank at CJW back in the 1980's. We chatted about hs and sports often. My deepest condolences go out to all of your family. RIH FRANK JR.
Rosalind Hardy
July 15, 2019
I met you as a freshman at St. joes, we became friends at hello. No matter how much time went by between us seeing each other, when we did it was like no time had passed. Frank , you treated me like a sister and you will always be my brother. I will always love you and thanks for having my back. Your friend Roz Hardy
Chris Bruno
July 14, 2019
I played for Coach Matrise. He made such a profound impact on so many young people's lives. I hope his family knows how much he is loved, and that there is a whole community grieving with you. The world is a little less good without Frank in it.
larry kamin
July 14, 2019
Prayers for Frank and his family, Wendy, Katie, and Kyle. I only worked with him for one season last year but it was an honor to get to know him more closely as well as an honor to see Katie and Kyle daily at school.
Tony Canonie
July 14, 2019
I met Frank during one of the U of Wisconsin’s summer football camps in 2007....we became good friends..we both coached in them for years..I worked the O-line, he the d-line...what fun we had razzing one another..talking trash etc....I liked him instantly...he was ALWAYS positive and never talked about himself...made you feel like you were the most important person in the world. Every time we would see each other or visit on the phone, it was special. Sometimes Frank, Uncle Joe and I would talk and it was nothing but laughs and amazing fellowship. I loved Frank, am very blessed to have known him. He inspired me to be a better person. He believed strongly about faith, family, and helping others. He was the ULTIMATE GIVER. I will truly miss him. My heart goes out to his family and the multitude of mourners that feel like me. The grieving will wane, but the memories will last forever.
ArnieDetloff
July 13, 2019
To: Frank,Sandy,Wendy and Family,Joan and I would like to offer our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your Son,Husband,Father,and brother.Words cannot ease the pain you must now be feeling,but please know you are in our prayers. Arnie Detloff
Stephanie Frohne
July 13, 2019
Frank was such a positive force in this world. His death leaves quite a void. RIP. Wendy, you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sharon Smith
July 12, 2019
Dear Frank, Sandy and family We are so saddened to hear of your loss.You are in our thoughts and prayers.Who ever thought growing up on 38th we would endure such grief.Wayne and Sharon Eppers Smith
Diana Schneider
July 12, 2019
I'm so sad to hear of his passing. He was my teacher in 4th grade and always encouraged me. He was tough but fair, and always had time for his students. Condolences especially to Wendy and the kids.
Steven & Traci Childress
July 12, 2019
We are so saddened by the news of Franks passing. What a wonderful man he was. Frank was such a good mentor & friend. I don’t think he ever met a stranger. We know he is in a better place. God obviously needed a great Coach for the new team in heaven. We’ll be praying for the entire Matrise family at this difficult time. God bless you all.
Parker Moes
July 12, 2019
WOW. Unexpected, shocking, and saddening news. Coach Matrise, You had an immense impact on my life and many others. Your presence as a coach and person was and is like no other. I'll never forget the first time I met you, it was my sophomore year of high school at Tremper (2010) and you were both the head coach of the football team and the dean of students at the time. You were so friendly and inviting. We immediately bonded over sports (Badgers & Packers), as our friendship grew fonder over the next few months, you would end up giving me a position to manage the football team along with ToNaya Gulley, Nana Green, Abby DeThorne, Morgan Pascual, & Kayla Gentz. Even though I wasn't "part of the team" because I couldn't play, you still made me feel like I was. For that, I will FOREVER be grateful. You touched my life in a way words cannot express enough. I love you and you will be SORELY missed. Rest in Peace, coach. You're in a better place now. See you on the other side...Until we meet again...My condolences to Katie, Kyle, and the entire Matrise family during this difficult time..