Obituary: Valarie Val M. Matushak, 96, Wausau, WI

A Life Defined by Resilience: Remembering Valarie Matushak

Valarie “Val” M. Matushak, a woman whose life spanned the transformation of the American Midwest and whose personal story mirrored the grit of the 20th century, passed away on October 28, 2026. She was 96 years old. According to the official obituary released by Peterson Kraemer Funeral Homes, Matushak died peacefully at her residence at Mountain Terrace Senior Living in Wausau, Wisconsin, while under the professional care of Interim Hospice.

Born on September 9, 1930, in Bruno, Saskatchewan, Canada, Matushak’s early life was defined by the stark realities of the Great Depression era. She was the daughter of Walter and Justina (Sass) Schmirler and spent her formative years on a family farm, living in a modest two-room cottage with her parents and three brothers. This humble beginning set the stage for a lifetime characterized by what her family describes as “unlimited determination.”

From Saskatchewan to the Heart of Wausau

The trajectory of the Schmirler family changed when Val was eight years old. They left Canada and relocated to the Wausau area, which would eventually become the permanent anchor for her life and the place where her sister, Sheila, was born. As she transitioned into adulthood, Matushak entered the workforce at DJ Murray Manufacturing. It was here that she met Felix Matushak, a meeting that would define the next four decades of her life. The two were married on June 14, 1952, in Milwaukee, and went on to raise six children together.

Obituary: Valarie Val M. Matushak, 96, Wausau, WI — Photo: legacy.com

Matushak’s professional life was as varied as it was industrious. Beyond her initial accounting role, she worked in sales for a local furniture store and held various positions in accounts payable. She and Felix were also well-known in the local business community as the owners and operators of Felix and Val’s VFW Bar. Even in her later years, she maintained a strong work ethic, completing a 20-year career in food service at the former Wausau Hospital before her eventual retirement.

Creating a Legacy of Open Spaces

While her professional life was demanding, Matushak’s deepest passions were anchored in her home. Despite the common pressure to settle into the convenience of urban living, she and Felix made the deliberate choice to move to a one-acre property outside of Wausau. For Matushak, this was not merely a real estate decision; it was a commitment to providing her children with the “wide open spaces” she felt were essential for their development. She cultivated a substantial vegetable garden and taught her children the practical skills of canning, baking, and sewing, often repurposing household items to maintain their country lifestyle.

In memoriam: Valarie "Val" M. Matushak — Photo: obituaries.wausaupilotandreview.com

The impact of this upbringing is reflected in the sprawling family she leaves behind. At the time of her passing, Matushak was survived by her six children—Jim, Ken, Dianne, Mike, Cindy, and Roger—along with 15 grandchildren, 33 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Her life was also marked by deep community engagement. As a founding member of St. Matthew’s Catholic Church in Wausau, she was heavily involved in the parish, serving in the funeral choir, the funeral luncheon committee, and the St. Jude Circle.

Faith and Transition in Later Life

The later years of Matushak’s life were a testament to her adaptability. Following the death of her husband, Felix, on August 19, 1991, she spent 35 years navigating life as a widow, keeping her faith and her family at the center of her daily routine. Her eventual move from the home she had occupied for 71 years to the Garden Apartments and finally to Mountain Terrace Senior Living was, according to her family, one of the most difficult transitions she faced. However, she found a new sense of community among the residents at Mountain Terrace, a period of her life her family noted with sincere gratitude toward the staff and her fellow residents.

The funeral arrangements have been finalized by Peterson Kraemer Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Wausau, with the Rev. Sebastian Kolodziejczyk presiding. Visitation will take place at the church starting at 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the service. In keeping with her wishes, the family has requested that memorials be directed to St. Matthew Catholic Church in lieu of flowers.