Local Democratic leader Matuszak dies at 56

Source: Wausau Daily Herald

Marlys Matuszak always came through when it came to aiding her political party, so when her greatest time of need arrived last year, her friends and fellow Democrats came through.

Matuszak, 56, of Wausau died Saturday at her home from congestive heart failure, said Terry Schulta, one of her three sisters. Doctors told Matuszak last May that she had about six months to live, but she made it to February with friends and family members visiting and assisting her in hospice care, Schulta said.

Matuszak, who spent 14 years as the chairwoman of the Democratic Party in the 7th Congressional District, developed a passion for politics in high school, and in 1962 started attending party meetings. She also helped U.S. Rep. Dave Obey, D-Wausau, with his campaign work when he ran for state Assembly that year.

"Her work ethic was amazing and she inspired a lot of people," Obey said. "From the humblest task of stuffing an envelope to doing a press interview, she was willing to do it."

Read more: http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080212/WDH0101/802120382/1581/WDHnews

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Marlys was one of the best Democrats I ever met. She was Dave Obey's campaign person here in Wausau for as long as I knew her. Even though she had to step down as County Chair because of her illness the local press still went to interview her about political matters. Just last week they asked her who she supported and she endorsed Obama.

Thanks for posting this HelenWheels. What you say is true - she was the greatest activist Wisconsin produced.

you will be missed. :cry:

http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080213/WDH010301/802130379/1587

Marlys Matuszak

"I was born Dec. 1, 1951, in Rice Lake, the fourth child of Sherben and Gerda (Nussbaum) Gunderson. When I was five months old, my family moved to Wausau so my father could work for the General Telephone Company. I have always considered Wausau my real hometown.

"I attended Lincoln Elementary School when it was the oldest school in the city. I attended John Muir High when it was the newest junior high in the city. And I attended and graduated from Wausau High School when it was the only public high school in the city. It was at Wausau High School that I became infatuated with politics. Although I had been a campaign volunteer since I was 11 years old, I really didn't develop a passion for politics and our system of government until high school. This can be attributed to a semester long run-in with Mr. Jerry Madison, my American History teacher. Jerry's enthusiasm for his subject rubbed off on many of his students, and I was one of them. I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and a minor in Economics.

"My passion for politics led me on many great adventures and afforded me the opportunity to meet people from all over the United States and the world. It will never cease to amaze me that one of the most powerful men in Congress, Dave Obey, not only knows my name, but calls me 'friend.'

"I am proud to have served the Democratic Party in many positions including Marathon County Party Treasurer and Party Chair, 7th Congressional District Chair, Wisconsin Democratic Party Treasurer and Party Chair, and the longest serving member of the Administrative Committee. In 1992, I had the privilege of participating in the Electoral College and casting my vote for President Bill Clinton.

What a women, I for one will miss her dearly and the world will be a darker place with her gone.