Michael Matusko

Matusko, Michael E. age 90, of Mpls., passed away 9/24/08. Preceded in death by beloved wife, Ruth. Survived by daughter, Kathy (Al) Frank; granddaughters, Lindsay (Nick) Schultz and Lauren Frank; cousins, nieces and nephews. Michael was born in Hadley, Massachusetts in 1918. He grew up on his family's tobacco farm and following high school became a mechanic. With World War II looming, he enlisted in the Army in 1940 and rose to the rank of Captain of D Company 38th Infantry Second (Indianhead) Division. He spent 209 consecutive days in combat during World War II. He shot at enemy planes on the roof top of Schofield Barracks during the bombing of Pearl Harbor, stormed Omaha Beach at D-Day Plus One and participated in the decisive allied victory in the Battle of the Bulge near Krinkelt. Michael received two Purple Hearts, two Bronze Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, Distinguished Unit Emblem, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal and French/Belgium citations. Following the war and twelve months of hospitalization for serious injuries, he received an accountancy degree. On April 9, 1945 he married Ruth Rothering whom he had met much earlier while he was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin preparing for a planned diversionary invasion of Norway. (After he left for Europe, she did not know if he was alive or dead for many months.) Throughout their 55 years of marriage they enjoyed socializing and traveling with their many friends including those they met through Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, of which he was state chair in 1978, and Purple Heart, of which he was state commander in 1979. Professionally, he spent 33 years at Cargill and retired as an Accounting Manager in its CMD Northwest Grain Division in 1980. He also served as an usher at St. Albert the Great for over five decades. Memorials to St. Albert the Great or donor's choice. Interment Fort Snelling Cemetery. Mass of Christian Burial Wednesday 11:00 AM with visitation one hour prior at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2836 33rd Ave. S., Mpls. Visitation also Tuesday 6-8 PM with vigil prayers at 6:30 PM at: Washburn-McReavy Edina Chapel 952-920-3996 5000 West 50th St. & Hwy. 100

Tributes

Michael Matusko

September 28, 2008

Tributes

Michael Matusko

September 28, 2008

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