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Donald Matuszak Obituary
Born: September 4, 1936
Died: January 28, 2023
Donald J. Matuszak passed away on Saturday, January 28th, surrounded by his family. Don was born in Cicero, IL on September 4, 1936 to Alexander and Florence Matuszak. Don was a graduate of Kansas State University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Helen Eaton. During his college years, he captained the basketball team to number one in the country. Tex Winter coached the KState team, and Don played with great athletes including Oscar Robertson, Wally Frank, Wilt Chamberlain and his best friend, Bob Boozer. He later served on the Alumni Board of the university. Don was inducted into the Illinois Hall of Fame for his outstanding achievements on the court.
Don was employed by IBM in management, and won numerous awards and accolades for his achievements, including outstanding Branch Manager for the western US, and was one of six Branch Managers selected to speak at National Sales Rallies. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Mel, and daughter, Jill Swain. He leaves behind his brother, Ed (Karen) Matuszak, his sister Judy (Steve)Lindberg, daughter Joelyn (Jim) Shea, five grandchildren, and their respective families. Don was a man of great character, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was a masterful story teller. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him. He had a way of drawing people together, and never met a stranger. His family would ask that you gather with friends, share your favorite memories, laugh, and toast a very accomplished and captivating man. Contributions in Don's name can be made to the basketball program at Kansas State University.
To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at www.flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements By: Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Matuszak
Sponsored by Flanigan Funeral Home & Crematory.
Dr. Forest Irons
August 29, 2025
Ed, years seem to fly by. Two since losing your brother Don. Porky loved both the Cicero guys. Be safe and be well. Fondly, Frosty
Alan Herrman
April 12, 2023
I worked with Don at IBM in Kansas City. I will never forget the fun we had eating the lobster
Pot for two after the Chicago Bulls mini season in KC. Our wives got such a kick out of our choice of dinner after each game they never quit teasing us. Great guy and I will miss his sense of humor.
Larry Rhodes
March 23, 2023
I worked with Don at IBM. He was an outstanding guy. Prayers to his family and loved ones
Karl Kreeger
February 2, 2023
Remembering our West Stadium days. Karl Kreeger,
K-State 1959.
How you can show support
Bill Sinderson
February 2, 2023
To Don's family: So sorry to hear of Don's passing.
I was blessed to be a walk-on in 1953-4, Tex's first year as head coach, so I had the pleasure of getting to know Don and admire his basketball skills. I last saw Don at a KSU football game, maybe 15 years ago when he and Mel stopped by our tailgate. It was a hot sunny day in Sept or Oct and Don didn't bring a hat with him so I loaned him one of my KSU hats for the game.
His teammate Hayden Abbott and I had a long close relationship for all of Hayden's life much like Don's relationship with Bob Boozer.
May Don rest in peace.
Bill Sinderson
Forest Irons
January 31, 2023
Ed, I am so very sorry to learn about Don. You and your brother were among Porky's favorite people and players. And I would know! May all of you find an abundance of strength and courage during this difficult passage. Be safe and be well. Peace,
Dr. Forest "Frosty" Irons
KSU Asst. Trainer '59-'63
Charles W Kilgore
January 30, 2023
Don hired me at IBM and changed my life. He was a natural leader that people wanted to follow.
Charley Kilgore
Jerry Stabenow
January 30, 2023
Don and I were great friends at IBM as we were salesman together then branch managers and both of us continued in management until we took early retirement . A true friend who would do anything for you and @thanks" was all we wanted in return
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for Donald Matuszak
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Flanigan Funeral Home & Crematory4400 South Lee Street, Buford, GA 30518
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