Kenneth J. Matzke

Kenneth J. Matzke, age 95, of Ledgeview, passed away peacefully on July 11, 2023 surrounded by his children. Ken was born August 24, 1927 in the Town of Glenmore to the late Clem and Sadie (Vanden Heuvel) Matzke. Ken married Dolores Kiley on October 11, 1952 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in De Pere. Together they raised six children and celebrated 63 years of marriage. Dairy farming was their life. Ken and Dolores took pride in the dairy farm they built together. Ken was a member of the NFO.

Ken always had a mischievous twinkle in his eye and an infectious smile. He loved telling jokes and laughed hardest at his own. He was an expert candy stasher; and no matter how hard mom tried to hide them, he could always find the Christmas cookies. He loved to bowl, play Sheephead, pitch horseshoes and listen to polka music. He always said that polkas made the cows give more milk.

He served his country in the United States Army from 1946-1947. He was grateful for the opportunity to participate in an Old Glory Honor Flight with his grandson Eric Trousil.

Ken is survived by his children: Donna (Paul) Trousil, David (Debbie) Matzke, Dale “Curly” (Dawn) Matzke, Carolyn Tordeur (Rick Ledvina), Christine (Scot) Gerarden, and Eileen (Andy) Nicholson. Grandchildren: Eric Trousil, Carrie Becker; Amanda Obenhoffer, Ben Matzke, Justin Matzke; Garett Tordeur, Shannon Tordeur; David Brogan, Nick Brogan; Danielle Cech, Molly Gerarden; Ned Nicholson, Danny Nicholson, Bridget Nicholson and Maggie Nicholson, and 14 great-grandchildren. Sisters: Joyce Cohen, Rosella Schroeder, and Gloria (Roger) Bougie. Ken is further survived by his sisters-in-law: Marcella Hoffman and Kathy Kiley and many nieces and nephews.

Ken was preceded in death by his wife Dolores, brothers Roland (Ethel) Matzke, Robert (Germaine) Matzke, and sisters Blossom (Milton) Krueger and June (Ed) Collins, and brothers-in-law Bernard Cohen and Roland Schroeder. He was also preceded in death by several other brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Family and friends may visit at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 220 S. Michigan St., De Pere, on Friday, July 21, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Michael Ingold officiating and Rev. Richard Getchel concelebrating. Burial to follow in Mount Olivet Cemetery in De Pere.

The Matzke family would like to express a special thank you to the staff of Wayside Parkview Estates, Kyle Sherwood, his home health nurse; Sherry Koop, St. Francis pastoral care; and the staff of Unity Hospice residence.

Cotter Funeral & Cremation Care is assisting the family.