John Mattice

Entered God’s loving arms on December 31, 2018, at age 51. Beloved son of Robert and Shirley Polinske. Dear brother of Charlene (James), Donna (Scott), Robert, Susan (Bill), David (Dianna) and Michael. Also loved and will be missed by additional family and friends.

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 9000 West Capitol Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Monday, January 7, 2019 from 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Funeral Service at Noon. Burial at Highland Memorial Park, New Berlin, Wisconsin at 1:30 PM.

Thank you, John by Mary DeFrain-Jones

Think back over your life. Have you ever met someone that has never been angry? A baby who doesn’t get mad when it’s hungry? A child who doesn’t have a tantrum over a lost toy? An adult who doesn’t react when given a speeding ticket? It seems impossible to go through our entire life without feeling this most basic emotion. Yet, here at RCS there is such a person. His name is John and he is one of our clients.

I’ve seen John laugh and I’ve seen him cry. I’ve seen him surprised and I’ve seen him tired. I’ve seen him startled and I’ve seen him calm. What I have never seen, is John mad.

The concept is really quite overwhelming. Imagine a world with no anger, it would change all that we know. There wouldn’t be any wars, vengeance, or hate. Of course, this is not how things really are, but this is how John is. Somehow, that part of him never developed. John is almost always a happy person.

He’s a very gentle man. He can’t do a lot for himself, but is always patient to wait until he can be helped. He has a wonderful sense of humor. One of his greatest joys is to mimic someone after they sneeze or cough. This simple act makes him laugh and laugh. John has trouble walking, but in the blink of an eye he may run off through the Hellman Center. When I catch up to him he’ll just look at me with a mischievous grin.

He enjoys many different activities. He loves the water and to go bowling. He likes horseback riding and playing catch. Of course, John needs some accommodations with these things, but he participates gladly just the same.

A big part of John’s life is his two parents, Shirley and Bob. He has been with them since he was 16 months old. He is their son. They have shown him so much love and kindness over the years that they must surely be angels in our midst. His biological parents created John, but his real parents gave him a life. The opportunities and care they have given him over the years have been immeasurable. On his behalf, I thank you both.

John can speak very few words. Two that have become his trademark at RCS are “thank you.” Staff and peers often play John’s “thank you” game. It seems to bring both John and them so much pleasure. I can think of no better words if you had to be so limited.

I can’t tell you the number of times strangers have approached us while we’ve been out together. They tell me I will surely have a place in heaven for the work I do. To be honest, it makes me very uncomfortable to hear. I don’t see myself as the special one, I see John. He is living a much more difficult existence than I am. He is very limited in his ability, while I am able to live a full, productive and independent life. He has so much to give with having so little to work with.

So, I say to John, “Thank You.” I thank you for reminding me every day how fortunate I am for the physical and mental gifts I have been given. For reminding me that there is always someone worse off than me. For helping me to remember not to take life for granted. Mostly, thank you John, for doing it with such style and grace.