Matthew W. Tabak

Matthew William Tabak passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 17, 2026. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Patricia Tabak. Their children, Michele Tabak, Joan Tabak (Curtis Mohwinkel), and Elizabeth Tabak Batteh (John Batteh), have broken hearts but take solace knowing their parents are reunited in eternity. He was blessed with his grandchildren, Katherine, David, Kirsten, and Marcus; as well as three great-grandchildren, Ava, Carter and Nash.

Dad was born August 7, 1936, in Niagara Falls New York to Matthew and Stella Tabak, an only son. Dad loved football and played at Bishop Duffey High School and earned a college scholarship to the University of Buffalo. After a short season, injuries ended his football career and college. Upon returning to Niagara Falls, he began working at General Tire as a mechanic where he met our mother, his “Sophie”, at his new job. They were married May 30, 1964. They were side by side and rarely apart in their 58 years of marriage until Mom’s passing in 2023. Dad was at her side and holding her hand to the end as she passed.

Dad continued his career with General Tire and became well known in the company and the industry, with a career that took our family through various moves from Niagara Falls, NY to Appleton, WI in 1980. His work ethic, undeniable integrity and honesty supported his career path. He was highly respected by his peers and customers alike. He would leave our home in the early mornings and would come home late at night to ensure all his work was done and done well. It wasn’t unusual for us to visit customers’ parking lots to check on their tires after Sunday Mass.

In his later years, he found his second love, golf. It wasn’t unusual for Dad to be the first on at the tee on a weekend with good weather, sometimes playing two or three rounds of golf a day. We were elated that he had found a way to enjoy his weekends instead of working at the office. His persistence and diligence paid him back with a hole in one at Reid Golf Course in 2015. He played daily after his retirement when weather permitted and sometimes even in the rain.

Even in his last few months, having limited speech abilities, Dad was able to bring joy to everyone he encountered with his smile and gentle eyes. He loved playing his Bingo, and one of his few clearly enunciated words was BINGO. And despite his limited speech, he found ways to clearly enunciate “I love you” to his daughters.

Dad was the foundation of our family. We always had unconditional love, solid values and an unwavering support system that carried us throughout our lives. Dad taught us that life may be tough, but we are tougher and together, we can get through anything and everything.

We would like to thank the care team at The Landings of Kaukauna Assisted Living for taking care of our dad when we were no longer able and loving him as family. We are so grateful to you for your support and care of Dad.

Like our mom, Dad always found ways to give back, helping make the world a better place and bring smiles to all whenever he could. In lieu of flowers, the family has established a donation link to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital in our father’s name. If you prefer to donate by check, please make it payable to Joan Tabak, with St. Jude’s’s Donation in the memo, and we will ensure the donation is made online on your behalf.

Donate to St. Jude’s's Online: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=7845231&fr_id=162728&pg=personal 

Please join us Friday, February 6th from 4pm to 630pm for visitation at Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 North Superior St., Appleton, WI 54911 with a prayer service to follow. Visitation on Saturday, February 7th will be from 10am to 11am, with Mass to follow at 11am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton, WI 54911. Dad will be laid to rest with Mom at St. Joseph Cemetery in Appleton, WI at a later date.