Rita Marie Mattek, of Star Neva, died Sunday, December 16, 2012 at North Haven Assisted Living Center in Stevens Point. She was 89 years old. She was born on January 27, 1923 in Antigo, a daughter of the late William and Rose (Jicha) Aulik. She married Eugene Mattek on August 23, 1944 at St. Wencel Catholic Church, Neva. He preceded her in death on May 17, 2002.
She graduated from Antigo High School and attended Vocational School in Antigo. She was employed at the Vulcan Corporation and then worked on the family potato farm before becoming employed at JC Penny Department Store in Antigo in 1961. She became Catalog Department Manager and retired in 1983.
She was a member of the St. Wencel Catholic Church, it's Rosary Society and the Deerbrook Homemakers Club.
She enjoyed crafting, ceramics and bird watching. She will be remembered for her knitting, especially making sweaters for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed camping, fishing and traveling with her husband, family and friends. She especially enjoyed her annual trip to Washington to visit her brother, Tom and his family. One of her special talents was photography, documenting her family, nature and travels. Her greatest joy was spending time with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and will be dearly missed.
Survivors include three daughters, Rose Marie (Richard) Waldvogel, Markesan, Jeanne (Gary) Bohn, Waupaca and Kathleen (Mark Wagner) Rogers, Marshfield; a son, Thomas (Laura) Mattek, Bancroft; 12 grandchildren, Mark Waldvogel, Gina (Charles) Mittelstadt, David (Becky) Waldvogel, Jolyn (Timothy) Rasmussen, Kathleen Waldvogel, Sara (Ross) Miller, Stephanie (Kenneth) Weiher, Amy (Jim) Ketchum, Jeffrey (Sarah) Rogers, Kristin (Andrew) Grunseth, Stephen Mattek and Sonya Mattek; seventeen great grandchildren; two brothers, Thomas (Joan) Aulik, Spokane, WA and Jerry (Peg) Aulik, Deerbrook; and a sister, Josephine Aulick, Thomson, IL.
In addition to her husband she was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert and William Aulik; and a sister, Marion White.
A funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. at St. Wencel Catholic Church, Neva with Rev. Jeremiah Worman officiating. Entombment will take place in Queen of Peace Cemetery. Visitation will be 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the Bradley Funeral Home
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Antigo, WI 54409
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Deerbrook, WI 54424
I always picture Rita (my Godmother) with a beautiful smile on her face. She always took time to chat for a bit, and never forgot to send a Birthday wish to me. She knit beautiful things, in fact I have a baby dress she made for me. I will always hold a special place in my heart for your Mom. So sorry for your loss of such a special lady.
Always a friendly face at St. Wencel's. Always keeping me up to date on brother Tom. Her smile will be missed.
Mike Worman
Always remember her being so friendly and outgoing when she worked at the Ye Olde Craft Shoppe and when she attended ceramics classes at the Community Center. Wishing the family peace and gentle comfort.
I remember working with Rita at JC Penney's. She was always very nice. She was a delight to visit with whenever we saw her. Lots of times at a Lakeside Brat Fry. You have our sympathy.
Doug and June Tomany
Rita was a wonderful lady that I always respected.
I enjoyed the many visits we used to have.
She is the guilty one who started me on my
collection of salt and pepper shakers which
now number over 400. My deepest sympathy.
I remember my Godmothers wonderful smile and laughter when we went to visit. When dinner was served the Mattek red potatoes was always part of the meal. We would always come home with a bag,and to this day, it is the only potato you will ever find in my house. To Rosy, Jeany, Kathy, Tom, and all of your families may the Red Potato Smile of your mom always be in your hearts.
I remember Rita and my mother in ceramic class. My mother (La Verne Tautges) taught ceramics for years. Anytime I would see Rita at walmart she would always have a big smile for me and we would talk abit. Im so sorry for your loss.
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