William John Matsch Jr

William J. Matsch, Jr, a native of Burlington, Iowa, was born on November 3, 1922, the second of four sons to William and Emma (Wiedemeyer) Matsch. Bill graduated from Burlington High School in 1939. In 1942, Bill joined the United States Army Air Force Cadet Program. When he was assigned to the high altitude aircraft crew in Las Vegas, NV, Bill became a pilot of a P38 and was honorably discharged in February 1946 as a Captain in the 4th Air Force. After leaving the service, Bill went to the University of Denver and graduated in 1949. Bill played football for three years. In addition, to his prowess as a tight end on the football team, he met his wife of 38 years, Susan Krueger. He later was inducted into the DU Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill was the CEO of the Monaghan Company, which was one of the leading manufacturers to develop the respirator. The respirator allowed polio patients for the first time to live outside the iron lung and over time it became the standard in American hospitals. The Monaghan Company was later sold to Sandoz, a Swiss pharmaceutical company where Bill remained as a Senior Executive until his retirement in the mid-1980's. Bill was highly respected not only by his employees but the entire business community. After retirement, Bill consulted with several companies and participated on many boards. He was instrumental in shaping the University of Denver's NCAA status as it remains today. He also presided as the President of the Cherry Hills Sanitation District for over 35 years. Bill was predeceased by his parents, brothers Charles and Robert, his daughter Leslie Matis, and his wife Susan. He is survived by his wife, Peggy Lewis Fleet (Marcy, Andrew and Ashleigh Fleet), his daughter Sandy Miller, his son, William John Matsch III (Kristina), grandchildren, Leslie Miller, Sarah Franklin (Jonathan), and Eric Matis, great-grandchildren, Cecelie and William Franklin, and his brother Judge Richard P. Matsch. Bill was a faith-filled person, who treasured his family. He lived and enjoyed his life with a strong, loving presence. Bill enjoyed all sports and especially supporting each team, coach and staff at the University of Denver. Weekends were filled with watching college football, either on TV or at the Falcon Stadium at the Air Force Academy. The family often joined him to watch the games and enjoy his famous, homemade chili. Bill will be greatly missed, his personal footprint made an immense impact on all of our lives and we will never forget him. Please visit the Guestbook to share your memories of Bill with his family.