Irene Selma Matzke was born January 29, 1920 to Johann George Henry Nuechterlein, and Rosine Martha Hoerauf. She was raised in Saginaw, Michigan, and married Donald George Matzke, December 16, 1944. They were married 60 years. He preceded her in death September 22, 2005.
While living in Saginaw they became parents to son Gerald Donald. They moved to Lorain, Ohio in 1949, and Beth Ann was born there. They continued to live in Lorain for many years, and Irene wore many hats. She was active at Zion Lutheran Church, serving in Alter Guild, Mother’s Club, choir, and was also active with PTA, and VFW. She also worked outside the home when the children were older. She worked in the bindery of the print shop, ran a postal sub-station, and worked as a clerk at Fligner’s Market in Lorain, until retiring.
Retiring they loved to travel and spent many months on the road in their van. Traveling to 47 of the 50 states, stopping frequently to visit family and friends and enjoying the sights.
After living in Lorain many years, they moved to south Texas, to be closer to daughter Beth. It was while living there Donald was lifted to his heavenly home. She later moved with family to El Paso where she lived until her being lifted with angels to her heavenly home April 5, 2021.
She is preceded in death by her parents, sisters Gladys Yeager, Margaret Walter, Marion Eurich, Ruth Kluck, and brothers Ralph Nuechterlein, Robert Nuechterlein and their spouses.
She is survived by her children Gerald and Susan Matzke, and Beth Ann and Ramon Montanez, grandchildren, Mark and Sue Matzke, Todd and Judith Albertsen, Michael and Sharon Montanez, Bruce and Kimberly Chadwick, Ramon and Alicia Montanez, Tiffani and Erik Escobedo. She is also survived by many great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Memorial Service and interment will be announced later.
Memorials or donations in leu of flowers can be made to Ysleta Lutheran Mission, 301 S. Shutz, El Paso, Texas 79907, Zion Lutheran Church, 2800 Pershing, El Paso, Texas 79903, Redeemer Lutheran Church, 601 W. Florida, Deming, NM 88030, St. Mark Lutheran Church, 11900 Chilicothe Road, Chesterland, OH 44026
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