Clarence M. "Mike" Matzek

Clarence M. "Mike" Matzek, age 77 of Hastings, died peacefully at home following a long and courageous battle with Parkinson’s disease on Thursday morning, April 16, 2020. Clarence Michael, the son of Clarence and Genevieve (Finn) Matzek, was born on May 28, 1942, in Red Wing, MN. Following his graduation from Ellsworth (WI) High School with the class of 1960, Mike enlisted in the United States Air Force. While on active duty, Mike was stationed in Keflavik, Iceland, where he monitored Soviet Air Traffic during the Cold War. Over the next 50 years Mike continued to maintain close contact with his fellow service members. Following an Honorable Discharge from the Air Force, Mike began working as an Air Traffic Controller and later retired from Lockheed Martin as a Systems Engineer. On February 12, 1966, Mike was united in marriage to Sharon Borowiak in Caledonia, Minnesota. After settling in Hastings, Minnesota Mike was a longtime member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church. He enjoyed volunteering with the church where he served as an Usher for Mass. Mike enjoyed fishing, camping, gardening and tending to the birds and wildlife in his yard and surrounding woods. Most of all, Mike loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was preceded in death by his parents. Mike is survived by his loving wife of fifty-four years, Sharon; children, Michelle Matzek, Mark (Mary Margaret) Matzek, and Julie (Dan) Mattimiro; grandchildren, Thomas (fiancee Abby Schultz), Alaina, Sophia, and Elise Mattimiro, and William and Owen Matzek; siblings, Mary (Joe) Theisson, Robert (Peggy) Matzek, Walter (Carol) Matzek, Richard (Susan) Matzek, and Judy (Tim) Rohl; brothers-in-law, Ronald (Bernadine) Borowiak and Robert (Barb) Borowiak; and by many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. A private family service will be held at Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel in Hastings, with interment following at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish Cemetery. Arrangements are being completed by Starkson Family Life Celebration Chapel of Hastings.