Velda (Matzke) Gatzlaff Pflugradt

Rochester, Velda (Matzke) Gatzlaff Pflugradt, 95, of Rochester died Tuesday, March 23, 2010 at Bethany Samaritan Heights in Rochester. She was born July 23, 1914 in Winona County to Albert and Adela (Gensmer) Matzke. Velda was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church in Norton Township of Winona County. She attended Altura School through ninth grade and went on to beautician training in the twin cities. In 1941 Velda and Al Gatzlaff were married. He died in 1949. She worked in Rochester for several years as a beautician, prior to returning to establishing her own shop in Altura. Velda married Jim Pflugradt in 1966. The couple made their home in Mankato before moving to Loveland, Colorado. He later died and she returned to Rochester, where Velda belonged to Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church. Survivors include three nephews; Gene (Mary Lou) Matzke of Rochester, Dave (Sandi) Matzke of Winona and Gary Matzke of Byron, eight great-nieces and nephews, 13 great-great nieces and nephews and one great-great-great nephew. In addition to her husbands, Velda was preceded in death by a brother Elmer H. Matzke and a nephew Don Matzke. Memorial funeral services will be 11AM Thursday at Resurrection Evangelical Lutheran Church, 4520 19th Ave. NW, Rochester with Pastor Jon Bitter officiating. Cremation has occurred. Burial will take place at a later date at Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Cemetery in Norton Township of Winona County. Friends may call one hour before services at the church. Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service of St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share a memory on Velda's on-line Guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.