MATAXIS, THEODORE C.
Brigadier General (ret), 88
died March 8, 2006. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Helma Mataxis; his children Shirley Mataxis of Florida, Ted Mataxis (Kirby) of North Carolina, and Kaye Isaacs (Bud) of Englewood; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. A true Patriot and highly decorated soldier serving in WWII, battle of Nordwinds; in Korea, Pork Chop Hill; and 3 tours in Vietnam, 101st Division. He retired after serving in Cambodia in 1972. From 1975-83, he was Superintendent of Valley Forge Military Academy. At the age of 70, he formed a "Committee For a Free Afghanistan" under the Reagan Administration. He spent his last 11 years as an acting professor for the American Military University. Services at Sandhills State Veterans' Cemetery, Spring Lake, N.C., on March 13 at 2pm. Family requests contributions to a charity of your choice in his memory or to the 17th Infantry Association, 921 Woodway, Fairbanks, Alaska 99709, c/o Mr. Stu Rothman.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Carol Brewka
March 20, 2006
To Helma, Kaye, Shirley, Ted Jr. and all your families,
We are saddened by the loss of your "great leader", and by the other entries in the General's guest book, a great leader for so many! We knew him not only as Kaye's Dad, but as a wonderful, brilliant man who always had a twinkle in his eye and wit on his tongue. We know he is in a better place and is probably keeping an eye on you from above--so be careful! We send our love, prayers and good wishes, Love Bob and Carol Brewka
John Hildebrand
March 15, 2006
All TRAILBLAZERS will miss Ted's advice and guidance that was always right on yarget. Miss you Ted.
CSM George Crisostomo
March 15, 2006
From all the officers and Soldiers of the 1-17th Infantry Regiment, we thank you Sir for your patriotism and honor and may you rest in peace.
Hayes Larkins
March 14, 2006
My contacts with the General were limited to the re-unions in Frederick, MD and Columbus, GA. However, one evening in Frederick my old friend and former comrade, LTC James Smith, and I saw Ted & Helma outside the motel and asked them to join us for dinner in town. The four of us had a great meal and several hours of good conversation. Jim passed on April 15, 2005. Now I'm sure that he and the General once again have the opportunity to swap war stories.
Richard Whitson
March 14, 2006
I served with General Mataxis in Korea. Lt. Colonel Mataxis made frequent trips to the MLR and outposts, unusual for a senior officer. He was the finest offier with whom I served in Korea. He was a true officer and gentleman and we of the 17th Infantry Association will miss him dearly.
Truth & Courage,
Richard Whitson
Historian & Chairman of the Board
17th Infantry Association
Eldon Orth
March 13, 2006
I'm an "Old Vet" from 7-17-C of the Hourglass Division, Okinawan Campaign.. One must remember, "Old Soldiers never die, They just Pass away...."
Eldon Orth-37774838-7th Infantry
John (Tom) Craig
March 13, 2006
I shall never forget our trip to France in 1997 with about 10 other members of the 70th to help them celebrate the 52nd anniversary of their liberation in Alsace. During one of the parades, I was marching down the street in the row behind Gen.Mataxis, Andy, and others. The General held his head high with chin up with pride as we marched quite a ways down the street to the memorial service. You could tell he was is some pain with a slight limp but he didn't miss a step until we got there. This typified his grit and determination to go to no end to carry out his mission. Mary Ann and I extend our condolences to the General's family. He was a great warrior.
George Harvey
March 13, 2006
Gen. Mataxis was the Regimental Commander when I served in Korea.
I also helped to observe several of
the General's Birthday celebrations
during our reunion's. He will be
missed by all that knew him.
Neil Young
March 13, 2006
As Vice President of the 17th Infantry Association, I was proud to be associated with the General in the conferences we held at annual reunions. May God Bless and keep him and his.
Jim Rohr
March 13, 2006
Having been on the Board of the 17th Infantry Regiment Association I had the honor to work with the General. He was a man of great integrity and honor. We all will miss his great smile and words of wisdom and support.
Donald Shook
March 13, 2006
It was a great honor to have known and worked with General Mataxis. A true warrior who lived his life serving his country and his family to the fullest. My deepest sympathy for his family and close friends. I'm very happy to have one of the ones who un-veiled the 17th Infantry Regiment Memorial with General Mataxis at this year's 17th Infantry Regiment Reunion held at Ft Benning, Georgia. Very fitting that he was present at the dedication.
God Speed, Buffalo …..
JOHN STRUBE
March 12, 2006
I was a Chaplain in the 17th Infantry in Korea when Ted was our Executive Officer. Before he assumed command of the Regiment I rotated home. Janet and I came to know Ted and Helma much better at Reunions of the 17th in the 90's. We greatly enjoyed being with him and young Ted on our return visit to Korea. We had trouble keeping up with him. We
salute a true soldier and patriot.
To Helma and family we say, May God's peace heal your heartache through warm and loving memories.
Chaplain John L. Strube
Stewart Rothman
March 12, 2006
I have known and admired General Mataxis for many years. As President of The 17th Infantry Regiment Association, it was my honor to ask him to step into the shoes of LT GEN "Buffao Bill" Quinn, when he had passed away, and take over the helm as Honorary Col Of The Regiment. General Mataxis accepted and was a great spritual and driving force for our Association for many years. When his term of office expired, he accepted the position of Honorary Colonel Of The Regiment Emeritus, and continued to lead us by example and design. He wrote the Preface for our new 17th Infantry Association Hard-Bound History and Heritage book, released this very month. It is a great tradegy for us all that he will not be present for a signing at this year's Reunion in Colorado Springs, but I and all the 17th Infantry Regiment Association Members know that he will be there in spirit, and he will be in our hearts and minds. Rest Well Warrior, The Battle is over, you are in Vallhala now.
Norm Fellman
March 12, 2006
Knew the General through the 70th Inf Division Assn. and admired him as a man and for all he did in life
Steve Dixon
March 12, 2006
I first met Ted at one of our 70th Division reunions. He was always helpful and a big help when I first started the Trailblazer site.
He will be missed.
Tom Medearis
March 12, 2006
It was an honor and privilege to know BG Mataxis. I served under him as a Tactical Officer at Valley Forge Military Academy from 1976-1982 when he was Commandant of Cadets. It was a pleasure to work with him and he was admired and respected by faculty, staff and cadets alike. He and Helma were good friends to my wife Merry and me. We have fond memories of our times together and were saddened to learn of his passing away.
David Mackie
March 12, 2006
As a 2nd generation associate member of 70th Infantry Division Association, it was a priviledged 10 minute visit with Ted when I met him at the National Reunion in Spokane,WA. I will never forget his energy level and dedication to serving our country.
Faye Easley
March 11, 2006
I love you, Helma, and all the wonderful memories. Your loving friend for almost sixty six years. Faye
Don Docken
March 11, 2006
I first meet Ted at one of our early70th Infantry Division Reunions and was greatly impresssed by his eneregy and convictions. We will miss him at our gatherings. God bless his memory. Don Docken
christina riebschlager
March 11, 2006
hi ted this is your little marine you will be missed we went throw alot toghter we rode a bike toghter we talk we grew to a good friend ship i never new how much u met to me until we talk laughted and cryed toghther on that day of march7 of 2006 i was there looking in your eyes telling you everthing will be all right and i new that it wasn't so i wish i would of stay until the end but everone told me to go home but i new that i wouldnt see u the next day but at lest 1030pm of the 7 th of march igot to see your smile for the last time i will never forgetu what u told me that night that i was your friend and thank me. i will miss coming and see u i cant belive you are gone but i really truely miss you ted. to u kay bud thanks for letting me now your dad and take care of him hes a very speaical man to me he will always have a part of my heart all ways
i will miss u ted
love christina riebschlager your caregiver ted and friend love ya general
Andy McMahon
March 11, 2006
Ted was a good friend and a great leader. He will be missed by members of the 70th Infantry Division Association.
May he rest in peace.
Phyllis & Dale Bowlin
March 11, 2006
Phyllis and I extend our condolences to the Mataxis' family. We treasure the memories we have of Ted and Helma at reunions but especially on our Return to Europe Tours. Ted's description of the Oeting Raid is a favorite.
Karl Landstrom
March 11, 2006
Honoring the memory of my good friend of long standing, Brig. Gen. Ted Mataxis, a comrade-at-arms during Infantry combat in France and Germany, World War II, and a fellow member of the 70th Infantry Division Association. My wife, Leora, joins me in sending our condolences to our dear friend, Helma Mataxis, and to her family.
James Hanson
March 11, 2006
Good bye old friend. We had many good times together and will meet again some day.
Jim
Russel Weiskircher
March 11, 2006
Honoring the life and contributions of an outstanding family man, soldier and citizen. Well done Ted.
WILFORD HAMM
March 11, 2006
TED will really be missed. Did not know hin in WWII, but first met him at the 50th Anniversary Reunion in St Louis, MO
I was in Hdqs 883rd FA Bn.
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