Kim Rae Matzke, age 63, of Clarno passed away on Wednesday, October 29, 2025 after a long, hard fought battle with cancer. Kim does not want her family and friends to feel sad. She believes she will see you all again. Cancer may have taken her life but not her spirit. Kim always said she did not feel special but only felt like herself.

Kim married Dennis Matzke August 28, 1981; together they had two children, a baby girl, Elizabeth Rae and a son, Caleb Jonathon. She loved her children fiercely and will forever be cherished as a good mom. Denny tried hard to teach Kim to farm (probably why he lost his hair). Eventually Kim took over milking cows, and helped run their farm for many years.  

Kim volunteered at Clarno Zion United Methodist Church, cradle roll, vacation bible school, ham supper etc. for years. The Clarno group also did a picnic for Clarno Township for 20 years with: Gene (Barb) Sveom, Daryl (Judy) Meighan, and Bob (Barb) Alston. She volunteered at Abe Lincoln School for 7 years, 4-H project leader, and 4-H County Committees for 7 years.  Kim was a Jr. Holstein Dairy Bowl coach for 1 year but helped Jr. Holstein for years.  All the kids’ friends were welcome; they called her “Mama Matz”. 

When the kids were mostly grown, she decided to go to Nursing School – this was a calling Kim needed to answer. Kim graduated with an associate’s degree, honor cord, and 3.8 GPA. She was very proud to be a nurse and loved being a nurse. Some days made her cry but she laughed as well. Kim was certified in medical surgery with a second certification in urology. She was nominated for the Daisy Award 7 times. Kim had to retire due to cancer.

After retirement, Kim reconnected with other nurse friends. Melanie Hoeft who saved Kim’s life. Mary Fields, Ursula Meier, Melanie, and Nancy Pehl all helped take Kim to Mayo. Kim felt fortunate to have a whole community of support during her illness from Jim and Rhonda Bartels, Sara Hasler, Kari Phillips, and those not mentioned who helped, brought food and comfort. As well as above people most important God and Faith got her through her life and illness. A special thanks to spouse, Denny for his support and all his trips to Mayo Clinic. Thank you Liz, Aaron, Caleb, and Sara, for help with food, trips to the hospital, and all your love and care. Also, special thanks to Kim’s sister, Annie for her loving care and help and her twin, Karla for all her emotional support and listening to her cry when she needed it. Continued thanks to Liz and Caleb for help with food, trip to the hospital, groceries, your love and care. Sara for all her CNA skills help, baths and dressing whenever needed. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Mayo Clinic Hospital and Dr. Dudek, one the most caring doctors who cared for Kim and to Dr. Gaines Richardson and nurses of SSM Health Monroe Hospice for their compassionate care.

Kim and Denny felt fortunate to have traveled to 43 states including Hawaii and Alaska as well as Mexico, Switzerland, and Canada. She also visited Ireland and Scotland with her sister, Annie, and had an amazing 60th birthday trip to St. Thomas with Karla, Liz, and Aryanna. Kim enjoyed going to Brewers Games and wine trips. She was proud to be featured on local billboards and in a La-Z-Boy commercial. Kim lived every minute she could, including fishing the last few years with niece, Aryanna Wetteland and spouse Jacob, and taking day trips with Max and Sonu Babler.  

Mama Matz signing off. 

Kim is survived by her husband, Dennis; daughter, Elizabeth (Aaron Weyhrauch) Matzke; son, Caleb (Sara) Matzke; her identical twin who shared a soul, Karla (John) Wetteland; sister, Annie (Pete) Figi; brother, Mark (Mary Jo) Niffenegger; many nieces and nephews; and her high school friend, Renee (Pete) Dinoto.

Kim was preceded in death by her brother, Michael and mother of Kim’s heart, Ilene Bandi.

A Celebration of Kim’s Life will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at Turner Hall from Noon – 4:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, a scholarship fund is being established in Kim’s memory to assist future students entering the healthcare field.

Shriner Hager Gohlke Funeral home is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family at: shgfuneralhome.net.