Lawrence C. Matushek, 73, of Genoa died Sunday, November 22, 2020 at the UW Health Hospital in Madison, WI.

He was born Sept. 12, 1947 in Berlin, Germany. He was the son of Charles and Phyllis (Babb) Matushek.  He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy, serving in the Vietnam Era from 1967 to 1972. He served on the U.S.S. Pitkin County from 1968 to 1970, the U.S.S. Fresno from 1970 to 1971 and the U.S.S. Racine from 1971 to 1972. He received the Nation Defense Service medal, a Navy Unit Commendation, the Vietnam Service medal with one Bronze Star and the Armed Forces Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross). He graduated from San Diego State University with a Bachelor's in Psychology in 1976 and later from Keller Graduate School with a master's degree in Business Administration in 1998.

He was married for 50 years to Leslie J. Louis on May 24th, 1970. They met in DeKalb, Illinois in 1967. They went on to have 4 children, 7 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. His children, and more so his grandchildren were the people that really gave him the most happiness and pride. He rarely missed a sporting event, school function or recital.

Larry was self-employed as a Quality Control Consultant. His business required him to travel all over the Midwest, taking his wife Leslie with him on his travels. He loved his business and worked up until his passing. He started his post military life working as an Air Traffic Controller at San Diego International Airport. After moving to Illinois, he worked at W.A. Whitney as the head of Quality Control for 22 years.

He was an avid reader. He enjoyed reading fantasy, science fiction and spy novels. His favorite author was J.R.R. Tolkien, his love of Tolkien's books was passed on to his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed watching movies, television shows and the Game Show Network. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild.

He is survived by his wife Leslie J. Matushek, sister Sue O'Flaherty (Matushek), brother-in-law Patrick O'Flaherty, children Steven J. Matushek, Julie L. Matushek, Philip C. Matushek, Lyndsay C. Matushek (Jamison Huffman), daughter-in-law Vanessa M. Matushek (Graziano), son-in-law Michael L. Copenhaver, grandchildren Jeffery J. Taylor, Katrina L. Taylor (Stone), Chloe J. Copenhaver, Kelli R. Taylor, Tabitha R. Copenhaver, Becca L. Copenhaver, Frederix J. Huffman, great grandchild Violet L. Taylor and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Phyllis Matushek (Babb).

There will be a walk through visitation on Thursday, December 3rd from 4:00-7:00 PM at Slater-Butala Funeral Home, 132 W. Main in Genoa, IL. Social distancing and facial coverings enforced. A limit of 10 guests in the funeral home at one time- to comply with the IDPH COVID requirements.

There will be a private burial at the Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL on Monday, December 7th, 2020 at 1:00 PM.

Every year Larry and Leslie donate to Shriners and St. Jude. In lieu of flowers please contribute to Shriners Children's Hospital and St. Jude in his honor. (stjude.org)

To sign the online guest book or share a special memory, go to www.butalafuneralhomes.com