Merle William Matzke

Merle Matzke, age 89, passed peacefully surrounded by family, in the early morning of Monday, June 15, 2026.

He was born January 3, 1937, in Winona, MN, to Willard and Lois (Brown) Matzke and attended school there, graduating from Winona High School in 1954. On August 10, 1957, he married Lorraine Sackreiter at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, in Lewiston, MN. He was an owner of Matzke Concrete Block, in Goodview, MN, for many years and a longtime member and council member of Goodview Lutheran Church. He loved golfing with Lorraine, volunteering at the Minnesota Marine Museum, and supported the Let's Go Fishing organization for many years.

Merle is survived by two brothers, Gordon and Gary; his daughter, Vicki, and son-in-law, Alan, of Dent, son Robert, daughter-in-law, Kim, of Brandon, SD, and Richard and daughter-in-law Janice, of Richmond, VA; six grandchildren: Andy (Brooke Hamann) of Perham, Todd (Chelsey) of Watkins, Amy (Noel Fawcett) of Norfolk, VA, Dani of Minneapolis, Chris (Angela) of Sterling, VA, and Shana of Brandon, SD; and eight great-grandchildren: Kadence, Jack, Lucy, Skylar, Delilah, Beatrix, Waylon, and Henry.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Lorraine, his parents, brother Warren, sister Marilyn Koscianski, and longtime friend and brother-in-law, Hank.

Merle lived in Winona his entire life until he moved to Hadley House in Perham, MN, in 2022. The Matzke family would like to give a special thank you to the staff there for filling Merle's last years with laughter and loving care.

A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Woodlawn Cemetery in Winona with Pastor Tom Schneider officiating, followed by a Celebration of Life at Holzinger Lodge, 925 W. Lake Blvd, Winona, MN. Pallbearers will be his grandchildren. Merle loved colorful outfits, so the family asks that anyone attending dresses brightly if they feel so inclined.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Vivie Foundation in Alexandria, MN, so others can benefit from their end-of-life services as Merle did.

Schoeneberger Funeral & Cremation Service, Perham, MN (218) 346-5175 www.schoenebergerfh.com