Final Salute

Obituary for Joseph Matisohn II

On Friday, October 11, 2019, Joseph Matisohn II, U.S. Navy Veteran and loving father of three children, passed away at the age of 73.

Joseph (Joe) was born on March 12, 1946 in Winfield, Kansas to Joseph and Marie (Sheneman) Matisohn.

He attended the University of California San Diego before joining the U.S. Navy, becoming a “Fighting Seabee.” During the time he was stationed at Naval Station Pearl Harbor in Oahu, HI, he met and soon married Reta Loie Lewis on June 14, 1969 (Divorced). They had three lovely children – Joseph Michael (Mike), Nicole Marie, and Reta Catherine (Katie) Matisohn.

Joe was a veteran of the Vietnam War where he was stationed at the Da Nang Air Base, NSA Da Nang Hospital. Upon honorable discharge, Joe pursued a career in construction which lead to becoming an engineer/land developer/contractor. He managed countless projects in the San Diego area over the course of his long career, ending it with the development of the Naval Training Center (NTC) – now known as Liberty Station. This project was especially meaningful for him as he had attended NTC as a new Navy recruit and ended his professional career there.

Joe had many interests and enjoyed pursuing anything outdoors. He loved Mexico and attending the Baja races as part of the McMillin Race crew and attending the land speed trials in Bonneville, Utah. He loved road trips, hiking, learning, and exploring. He shared his interests and search for adventure with his children and friends. In retirement, he kept busy by volunteering for the Department of Disabled Veterans (DAV) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), working closely with veterans seeking military benefits.

Joe was preceded in death by his son, Mike, his parents, Joseph and Marie, his sister Sasha (who died as an infant), and Cousin Alex Shlanta. He is survived by his daughters, Nicole and Katie, granddaughter Shayna Brianne Matisohn and partner Janice Smith.

Fulfilling Joe’s wishes, no funeral will be held. Final burial details have not been determined, however, his wishes were to be buried in the Riverside National Cemetery alongside his son, Mike, with Military Funeral Honors. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Association or to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America. For final burial details please email Katie Matisohn at kmatisohn@gmail.com.