Walter "Poppee" Matan

Walter “Poppee” Matan age 87 long time resident of Wilmette passed away peacefully on Tuesday February 4, 2020 with family at his side.   Beloved husband of Helen Matan for 59 years, loving father of Walt Matan. proud grandfather of Natalie, Ashley and Alyssa. Walter and Helen's greatest achievement was bringing his parents, brothers, sisters and their families from Croatia; 22 people in all! Walter had several different careers and was a second father to many people. He worked in a coal mine in Germany, operated a crane at Inland Steel in Indiana and was a maintenance man for several condominiums in Skokie for fifty years. He is also best known as a celebrity fisherman representing Custom Jigs & Spins tackle on MidWest Outdoors television. He is survived by his brothers Charles, Steven, Michael and sister Dragica. A Celebration of his life for family and friends will be at Lone Tree Manor, Niles IL by invitation only.