Kenneth Matzke

Kenneth Matzke, 79, of Center, died April 10, 2011 at the Elm Crest Manor in New Salem. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM Thursday at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Center. Burial will be in the Center Community Cemetery. As Kenny wished, cremation has taken place. The family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church on Thursday. Kenneth was born on January 29, 1932 at Hazen, the son of Ruben and Ethel (Bittner) Matzke. He attended grade school at Nebo Consolidated. In 1955, he became a member of the church he came to love most dearly, St. Paul Lutheran. Kenny drove truck for Harold Wilkins for many years, worked as a carpenter for various power plants and was a tree planter for Oliver County Soil Conservation. He also served on the church council and the Center Cemetery board. Kenny is survived by his sister, Ruby (Daniel) Hoger of New Salem; three nephews, Wayne (Diane) Hoger of New Salem, Bruce (Sheryl) Hoger of Denver, Colorado and Darrin Hoger of New Salem; two nieces, Dawn (Leo) Bender of Bismarck and Denise (Eddy) Bachler of Mandan; four great nieces, Haley, Lexi, Kelly Marie and Kendra; two great-nephews, Ryan and Tanner; two step great-nephews, Josh and Brandon; and several very dear friends, particularly, Richard Gullickson, Dennis Ensz, Lucille Starck and Grayson and Debbie Starck. He is preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.