Michael Dwayne Matzke

Michael Dwayne Matzke passed away suddenly on August 22,2024, following complications from surgery.

Mike was born to Dwayne and Ellen Matzke on September 30, 1954. He attended and graduated from Welcome Memorial High School (Garden City), the University of Minnesota Waseca and the University of Minnesota Twin Cities studying Agricultural Economics. Following graduation, Mike joined Matzke Farms. The farm operation was one of the largest in the region which raised hogs, soybeans, corn and peas. He was a certified appraiser and dabbled in real estate. He was also a General Contractor for a short period of time focused on subdivision development. After leaving the residential construction industry, he enjoyed a successful career with Minnesota Elevator, retiring in February 2024.

Never the type to sit around, Mike earned a pilot’s license in the late 1970s, flying single engine planes. He was an accomplished golfer, downhill skier, an avid fisherman and tennis player. He was always quick to lend a helping hand to friends.  His grandchildren gave him great joy. He loved teaching them to drive the boat, bait a hook, swing a golf club and tennis racquet. He would often ski, snowshoe, hike, bike, camp, play catch and travel to watch their athletic games. His grandchildren adored him and he will be sorely missed.

Mike is survived by his mother, Ellen Matzke (Mankato); fiancé, Nancy Goettl (Mankato); son, Luke Matzke (Anne) Boulder, CO; daughters, Lindsay Palmer (Darrell) New Ulm, MN; Amy Michaletz Keller and Anna Michaletz Armstrong (MN). Grandchildren Anders and Lilly Matzke, Otto Palmer, Zoey and Olivia Keller, Ariana Armstrong; first wife, Debbie Matzke, second wife, Sue Michaletz.

He was preceded in death by his father Dwayne Matzke, Grandparents, Olive and David Jones, Leola and Lenard Matzke and infant brothers.

A Memorial for Mike will be held at 3:00 pm Saturday, September 7, 2024 at the Woodland Hills Funeral Chapel. Visitation will be from 1:00 pm until time of the memorial that day.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made by mailing a check to :

The Mike Matzke Memorial Youth Tennis Program.

Checks Payable To:

City of North Mankato

1001 Belgrade Ave.

North Mankato, MN  56003

The memo line on the check should state "Caswell Sports Mike Matzke Tennis Program" for proper routing.