Dr. Joseph E. Matar

Matar, Joseph E. Dr. Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 2, 2009, at the age of 87. Resident of St. John's on the Lake in Milwaukee, former resident of Mequon and former longtime resident of Glendale for over 40 years. Husband to the late Jean L. Matar and uncle to the late Janine Kirner. Father of Kristine Morris, Norman (Pam) Matar and Katy Matar. Grandfather of Joe Matar, Teddy Morris, Michael Matar, Julia Domrose and Jack Duffy. Great-grandfather of Noah Domrose. Brother of Bobby Matar. Brother-in- law of Joyce Kostuck. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. Dr. Matar's life revolved around his family, his career as a mechanical engineer and his long time affiliation with Marquette University. Dr. Matar was an extremely warm, helpful and patient person who excelled in his role as a professional engineer and professor. Throughout the years, he served as a mentor to many undergraduate and graduate students and continued to provide them with advice and counsel as they embarked on their professional careers. He always had a smile on his face and had an unending capacity and willingness to help others. His work ethic and devotion to his loving wife, Jean, family, friends and colleagues were his strengths. Dr. Matar received his BSME from Marquette University, his MS from the University of Wisconsin and his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. Dr. Matar was a Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Marquette University, former Dean of the College of Engineering at Marquette and former Associate Provost at Marquette. His career at Marquette extended over 50 years. During his last fifteen years at Marquette, he returned to his first love of teaching. It was at this time that Dr. Matar immersed himself into becoming a worldwide expert in the fields of reliability, design of experiments and Taguchi methods. His extensive knowledge in such cutting edge methods quickly led to a second career in performing consulting work and conducting seminars for a number of international corporations including Motorola, Johnson Controls, Ford Motor Company, Rockwell and A. O. Smith, all of whom recognized the business benefits of these novel techniques. His efforts culminated into the publication of a book he co-authored entitled Designing for Quality, which was an introduction to the best of Taguchi and Western methods of statistical experimental design. Marquette University also served as a focal point for another important aspect of his life for it was there, shortly after graduating, that he met his wife, Jean, and married soon thereafter. Throughout their 58 year marriage, they raised three children, spent time with their five grandchildren and traveled extensively, with Asian countries being some of their favorites. Visitation will be held at the Feerick Funeral Home on Sunday, December 6, 2009, from 12 noon to 2:00 PM with a memorial service at 2:00 PM. A reception at the funeral home will follow the service Memorials in Dr. Matar's name may be made to the Building Fund for the Discovery Learning Complex (the new Engineering building for Marquette University) and may be sent to the College of Engineering-Dean's Office, P.O. Box 1881, Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff at St. John's on the Lake and VITAS Hospice for the wonderful care given to Dr. Matar.
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