John Matzek, age 84 of Prescott, WI, died Friday, September 13, 2019, at his home, with his family by his side. John was born March 12, 1935, in his family home in Hager City, Wisconsin, son of Raymond Sr. and Irene (Schommer) Matzek. John graduated from Prescott High School. He served in the Army from 1957 to 1959. John was united in marriage to Joyce Langer on October 3, 1964, officiated by his brother, Fr. Bill Matzek.
John’s faith, family, and farming were the cornerstones of his life. He was a humble, generous, kind, and wise man. He was a devoted member of St. Mary’s Big River Parish. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and Board of the Aging and Disability Resource Center. John worked at Jacques Seed Company in Prescott for 41 years and Brown Seed Company for 11 years while maintaining a hobby farm. He was a cherished husband and father. He was devoted to his grandchildren and great grandchildren, appreciating every moment spent with them sharing his wisdom. He was a man who loved to be with God in nature, whether walking his land, cutting wood, tending cows, or riding a tractor. He appreciated all of God’s blessings.
John will forever live in the hearts of his loving wife of nearly 55 years, Joyce; his six children, Laure (Mark) Andrle of River Falls, Lisa (Pete) Ward of Ramsey, MN, Lynn (Pat) Bayer of Prescott, Jonathon (Kristy) Matzek of Prescott, Monica (John) Lewis of Prescott, Paul (Spring) Matzek of Prescott; his thirteen grandchildren, Erika, Jacob, Elise, Clair, Emily, Evan, Megan, Noah, Kaelyn, Mason, Logan, Breana, Landon; and two special great grandsons, Levi and Oscar. He is also survived by nine siblings, Raymond Jr. (Janice), Jeanette (Jim) Hovel, Rita Matzek, Charles (Rosanne), Theresa (Bob) Goehring, Norman (Mary), David (Terry), Bernard (Nancy), and Ron (Jane); sister-in-law, Sandy Matzek; his in-laws, and numerous extended family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond Sr. and Irene (Schommer) Matzek; his brothers, Reverend Fr. William Matzek, and Jim Matzek.
Mass of Christian Burial for John Matzek will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, Sept 18th, 2019 at St. Mary’s Big River Catholic Church, W10137 570th Avenue in rural River Falls, WI, with Rev Fr. Kevin Louis officiating. Visitation will be held at church, beginning at 9:00am, until the start of Mass. John’s final resting place will be in the parish cemetery. His grandsons will serve as his casketbearers. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Homes (715) 262-5404. www.oconnellfuneralservices.com
