Edsal James Mattax

RACINE-Edsal James Mattax, 93, left his earthly home for his heavenly one on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Home Harbor Assisted Living. He left to claim the inheritance promised to all those who receive Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. Ed was born in Wren, Ohio on November 22, 1930, to the late Irenios and Mary (Swoveland) Mattax. He graduated from high school in Decatur, Indiana, then from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, IL in 1953 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Music Education. He married Marilyn Horner on August 9, 1952, at Taylor Avenue Church of the Nazarene in Racine. During his life he served in the army, then worked as an educator, farmer and business owner. Ed enjoyed taking his family on vacations, flying his own plane, fishing, hunting, golfing and playing tennis. He received great pleasure serving his Lord, using his gift of music in a variety of ways. Ed was the Director of Music for 47 years accompanied by his wife on the organ in the Nazarene church. When spending the winters at the Corkscrew Woodlands Park in Estero, Florida, he led the music ministry for the park’s church services. Ed had perfect pitch and played a variety of instruments. He was an active participant wherever he was, serving on Boards and leading, as well as participating in projects going on in the communities in which he resided. Ed had the gift of organization and the capability to do many things well. He was very mechanical and creative. This was demonstrated as he served alongside the pastor of Racine Community Church of the Nazarene with others in the planning and building of the church. Ed was a generous man, not only with his time but also with his finances, assisting his family and others when needed. Ed will be missed by his daughters, Brenda (Jon) Nelson, Michelle (Rick) Czechowicz of Racine, Janis (J.R.) Tripp of Bourbonnais, IL, and son, Chip Mattax of Indianapolis, IN; 10 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn, on August 16, 2002; his parents, Irenios and Mary Mattax; his sisters Nancy (Mattax) Barney and Elaine Mattax; his brother-in-laws Charles Hasselbring and Richard Horner; and his sister-in-law Joyce Horner. A special thanks to the staff at Home Harbor and the staff at Hospice Alliance from Ed’s children for their warm and compassionate care of our dad. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 2pm on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Community Church of the Nazarene located at 8440 Spring Street, Racine, WI. There will be a fellowship time prior to the service to visit with friends and family from 12:30-2:00pm. Service will be live streamed on YouTube for those who cannot attend in person. https://www.youtube.com/live/G_AYz7KDGVk?si=zjQrBHDxtuNZVE0D In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to SE WI Youth for Christ, or to the Community Church of the Nazarene.

Tributes

Edsal James Mattax

November 22, 1930 - August 27, 2024