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Lee Matzek

Lee Matzek died on May 8th surrounded by her husband, Don, and family.

Leona Christine (Woods) Matzek was born on October 29, 1921 to Samuel and Ethel Woods. She grew up in River Falls until the family moved to Burnett County, Wisconsin where she attended high school in Webster. She then returned to River Falls and attended the Normal School where she got her teaching degree. She and Don Matzek met at a dance in Ellsworth and they were married on June 9, 1945 while he was on leave from the Navy.

Lee had many jobs in her life. She first taught at Randall School and then Fisher School near River Falls. Lee was a well-known and respected part of the business community on Main Street. She worked retail at the Town Shop and then alongside Don after his purchase of Benson’s Clothing which became Don’s Clothing.

Lee loved doing many things, especially things that involved staying active and being outdoors. There were many years you could find Lee and Don on the golf course. Don joined River Falls Golf Club in 1953 and Lee joined a year later. Lee won the club championship 6 times and has 2 holes in one to her credit. If she wasn’t golfing, she might be walking to Curves, playing racquetball, going cross country skiing or dancing with her Don.

Lee was preceded in death by her parents, Samuel and Ethel Woods, and siblings Lilian, Florence, Charlotte, Lorena, Varon, Wilber, Juanita, Shirley, and Ruth. She is survived by her husband of almost 74 years, Don, and children, Suzanne (Mike Danielson) of River Falls, Maralee (Dennis Shoemaker) of Maryland, Galen of River Falls, Kristi (Peter Conover) of Chicago, and Joe (Mary Beth) of Appleton. She is also survived by eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, May 11th at 11:00am at St. Bridget’s Catholic Church with Reverend Fr. Jerry Harris officiating. Visitation will begin at church at 10:00am. Burial will follow at St. Bridget’s Catholic Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to Wellhaven, St. Bridget’s, or the River Falls Food Pantry.

Services are entrusted to O’Connell-Benedict Family Funeral Home, River Falls, WI. 715-425-5644