On April 29, 100 years old Don Matzek joined his beloved wife, Lee, whom he missed dearly since her death in 2019.
Donald William was born on Nov 6, 1921, to William and Christine Matzek. He grew up on a farm near River Falls and lived in the area his entire life. After his parents moved into River Falls in 1945, Don enlisted in the Navy. On June 9, 1945, while on leave after basic training, Don married Lee whom he met at a dance in Ellsworth.
He then left for a base in San Francisco and then on to the Pacific. He was in the Pacific for a year before returning to River Falls.
Don worked for the city of River Falls first and then in 1948 he started a career in men’s retail by working in Bjerstad’s & Benson’s Clothing Store, which became Benson’s Clothing. In 1972, he bought the store and changed the name to Don’s Clothing. Don and Lee worked together in the store until he sold it in 1985. Don and Lee had almost 74 years of marriage living most of the time on Lake Street.
Don loved spending time outdoors. You could find him and Lee on the River Falls Golf Course where he was a member for 60 years, winning the Club Championship five times and getting five holes in one. They enjoyed golfing on their vacations and in Arizona where they spent winters after they retired.
He also liked cross country skiing, walking, gardening, dancing with Lee, playing bridge and coffee and jokes with friends.
Don was preceded in death by Lee, the love of his life, his parents William and Christine and siblings Marvin, Isabelle, Theresa, Delores, Mary, and Kathleen. He is survived by brother James and children Suzie (Mike Danielson) of Prescott, Maralee (Dennis Shoemaker) of Maryland, Galen of River Falls, Kristi (Peter Conover) of Chicago, and Joe (MaryBeth) of Appleton. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and friends who will miss his kindness and good cheer.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at St Bridget’s Catholic Church on Sunday, May 8th at 4PM. Visitation will be one hour prior to the mass at church. Mass will be live-streamed. Burial will be in the parish cemetery.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers a donation can be made to River Falls Food Bank, St Bridget’s Church, or Wellhaven.
Services entrusted to O’Connell Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services of River Falls, www. oconnellfuneralservices. com, 715-425-5644
