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Paul Curtis Matzke
Paul Curtis Matzke

Paul Curtis Matzke, age 89 of Juda, died peacefully with his family by his side on Friday, October 19, 2018 at the Monroe Clinic Hospital. He was born on the family farm near the town of Western, Nebraska on September 12, 1929, the son of Arthur and Mable (Gipple) Matzke. He attended grade schools at Riley School near Juda and in Nebraska. He graduated from Western High School in 1947 and attended Nebraska Wesleyan College from 1948-1949. Paul served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War from 1950 until 1952. He was deployed to occupied Germany for his entire service. Paul and Hazel Lorraine Falk were married on December 26, 1952 in the Bethel E.U.B. Church in Monroe. He was employed by Carter and Gruenewald Co. for a number of years working alongside his brother, Irvin, and best friend, Bob Severson Sr, installing water pumps and climbing windmill towers. Paul began his career working for the U.S. Post Office in 1957. He was appointed Postmaster of the Juda office by President Eisenhower on July 3, 1958 and served until his retirement on Sept. 1, 2000.

Paul was very involved in the Juda and Green County Community. He was a proud member of the Juda Volunteer Fire Department for over 50 years, the Juda Zion United Methodist Church and sang in the church choir for over 50 years, Past Commander of the Cecil Jones V.F.W. Post #2312, Green County Barbershop Quartet, former President of the Mt. Vernon Cemetery Association, charter member of Green County Crimestoppers, former Town Clerk for Sylvester Township, longtime member of Ducks Unlimited, and state and national Postmaster’s Associations. Paul and his wife, Hazel, were longtime members of Stateline Area Square Dancers, coordinated the Memorial Day Service at Mt. Vernon Cemetery for 30 years, and were members and volunteered at the Green County Historical Society. Paul was very proud of his Cub Tractor collection and loved driving them in parades. He loved family gatherings even if it was just a Sunday lunch at his favorite spot, The Sandburr Café.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Hazel Matzke; a son, Brian (Peggy) Matzke; grandchildren, Chip (Jessica) Matzke, Calli (Jeff) Ingebritsen; great grandchildren, Reagan Matzke and Marilyn and Kenneth Ingebritsen; and a sister-in-law, Mardelle Matzke. He is further survived by brothers-in-law, Robert (Esther) Falk, Ted (Lillian) Falk, Rev. Wesley (Bonnie) Falk, Ken Falk; sisters-in-law, Alice Miller, Carol Burgett; nieces, nephews, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Irvin Matzke; sisters, Ruth (Carl) Schmidt, Irene (Orville) Zabel; brother-in-law, Dave Burgett; sister-in-law, Abby Falk; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 26, 2018, at 11:00 a.m., at the Juda Zion United Methodist Church with Reverend David Busker officiating. Interment with military honors will follow in Mt. Vernon Cemetery, Juda. Visitation will be on Thursday, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the NEWCOMER FUNERAL HOME, Monroe, and at the church on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Memorials are suggested in Paul’s name to the Juda Volunteer Fire Dept. or Juda Zion Church. Condolences may be shared at www.newcomerfuneralhome.net

The family would like to thank Juda First Response, and the staffs of Pleasant View Nursing Home, Monroe EMS, and Monroe Clinic Hospital for their care and compassion to Paul.