Bernard Walter Matzke

Bernard Walter Matzke, 89, of Faribault a former St. Charles and Lewiston resident, died Sunday, April 29, 2012 at Milestone Memory Care in Faribault. Bernard was born January 10, 1923 in Winona to Herman and Elsie (Drenckhahn) Matzke. In 1940 he graduated from Lewiston Public School. Following high school Bernard attended Winona State College and St. Mary's College in Winona. In 1942 he entered the U.S. Army serving from 1942 - 1946 as a Technical Sargent. He and Loretta Anna Nuszloch were married February 3, 1945 at the Bethany Moravian Church. Bernard worked as an adjustor and manager for Rollingstone Mutual Fire Insurance Company and sold Real Estate for Tews Realty of Winona. From 1949 - 1977 Bernard was the owner and manager of Lewiston Hardware, Co. Inc. In 1991 the couple moved to St. Charles and recently moved to Faribault. Bernard enjoyed watching baseball, fishing and taking care of his yard. He played baseball for Lewiston and had been recruited by the Philly's as a young man. Bernard was a member of Faith Lutheran Church of St. Charles. While in Lewiston he was a member and former Treasurer of the Lewiston Lions Club; active in the Lewiston Businessmen's association; served on the Fire Department from 1948 - 1976 and as fire chief 1951 - 1954, he was as an EMT for the Lewiston Ambulance Service and was the Lewiston City Clerk from 1948-1966. Survivors include his wife Loretta, five children; Jim (Patti) Matzke of Maple Grove, Barb Guildner of Ellendale, Beth Matzke of Minneapolis, Alan (Vicki) Matzke of Faribault and Cheryl Matzke of Champlain; nine-grandchildren; Christina (Patrick) Crow, Katie (Jeff) Heggemeier, Brian (Annie) Matzke, Joe (Helene) Matzke, Carey (Simon) Garcia, Leah (Tom) Buermann, Melissa Fohrman, Andy (Brooke) Matzke and Dani (Bobbi Harris) Matzke and ten great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, a son-in-law Dana Guildner and a great-grandchild. Funeral Services will be 11AM Wednesday at Faith Lutheran Church in St. Charles with the Reverend Steve McGinley officiating. A reception will follow with burial in Lewiston Public Cemetery. Friends may call one hour before services at the church. Please share a memory of Bernard at his on-line guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com. Hoff Funeral Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. The Lewiston American Legion will conduct graveside military honors.