JOHN STEVEN MATECKI

1928 - 2021

BARRINGTON - John Steven Matecki, age 92, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2021, surrounded by his loving family after valiantly battling prostate cancer for over 24 years. John was born in Chicago, Illinois on May 20,1928, growing up on the northside of Chicago. He met his lifelong sweetheart, Jackie, when they both worked at Sears. John served at the US Army chemical center in Edgewood, Maryland during the Korean War. He often shared fond memories of moving into his first apartment with his young bride in Baltimore, Maryland. After the Army, John put his chemical experience towards working for Dupont. Always an entrepreneurial spirit, at the age of 27 he became the Founder, President, and Chairman of Slipmate Company of Elgin, Illinois, an industrial teflon coating applicator. Slipmate continues as a family business today. John also served as the Chairman of Shieldmate Robotics, an injection molding company started by his sons that supplied cellular telephone assemblies globally. John was preceded in death by his parents, Evelyn and John Matecki; his special parents-in-law, Helmer and Esther Jacobson; his brother and sister-in-law, Gordon (Betty) Jacobson; and his brother, Edward Matecki, and many dear friends. John is survived by his loving wife of almost 70 years, M. Jacqueline "Jackie" Matecki (nee Jacobson); as well as his adoring children, Steve (Margaret) Matecki of Bull Valley, Illinois, Randy (Patricia) Matecki of Denver, Colorado, Lynn (Mark) Laughlin of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Mark (Mary) Matecki of Hastings, Minnesota. He is also survived by his twelve grandchildren, Tory (Jake) Wielhouwer, Christopher Matecki, Amy (Spencer) Williams, Adam Matecki, Lauren (Andrew) Mellen, Brienn (J.J.) Darr, Nicholas (Brittni) Matecki, Melanie (Chris) McGann, Jenna Matecki, Jennifer (Todd) Morton, Jack (Jackie) Matecki, and Scott Matecki. John also had the great joy of being survived by his great-grandchildren, Jack and Adeline Mellen, Tessa, Heidi, and Jack Wielhouwer, June, Crew, and Abe Williams, Lyndee, Grayson, Josie and Jonny Darr, William and Hudson Morton, and a few more on the way. John had a strong love for Hawaii, its culture, and people. He and his *entire* family spent special time in the islands. They will be bringing him back home to his favorite snorkeling spot at Honokeana Cove, Maui, which will be his final resting place. The family would like to thank Doctors Hoeksema, Pfanzelter, Salvi and the kind hospice workers from Transitions Hospice who helped John through his battles and in his last days. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in John's name may be directed to the American Cancer Society or your favorite charity of choice. We deeply loved John and will all miss him dearly. Aloha and Mahalo.