Darci K. Matzke

Darci K. Matzke, age 65, went to her eternal home on February 7, 2025, surrounded by her family. "I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith" (2 Timothy 4:7).
Darci was born on April 3, 1959, in Madison, WI, to David and Yvonne Martin. She was baptized into Christ in June 1959, and confirmed into Christ in May 1973. Inspired by her Christian Day School teachers, she attended Dr. Martin Luther College in New Ulm, MN, and graduated in 1981.
Darci's first call was to teach at Zion, Egg Harbor, WI, where she met her future husband, Mark Matzke, at a barn dance. She married Mark exactly one year later on August 7, 1982, at Calvary, Thiensville, WI.
Darci was blessed with three wonderful children, who were always in her heart and in her prayers. After marrying, she was a stay-at-home mom and worked various part-time positions around her children's schedules, including teaching piano, serving several WELS congregations as an organist/pianist, and instructing modified exercise classes.
Darci is survived by her husband of 42 1/2 years, Mark; her children, Matthew Matzke, Jeremy Matzke, and Kristin (Michael) Litynski; her miracle granddaughter, Ella; her parents, Dave and Von Martin; her brother, Scott (Jennifer) Martin; and her sisters-in-law, Liz (Ken) Birnschein, Millie (the late Phil) Sunstrom, Priscilla (Keith) Kopczynski, and Rachel (Greg) Ryan. She is further survived by many nieces and nephews, other family, and dear friends.
Darci was preceded in death and looks forward to a joyful reunion in heaven with her unborn child; her stillborn grandchild; her grandparents, Raymond and Nora Schmaling and Harold and Helen Martin; her parents-in-law, Ruben and Alvina Matzke; and other family members.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church, 11303 Wehausen Road, Manitowoc, WI, 54220. Rev. Foelske will officiate with burial to take place at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery. The family will greet relatives and friends at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church on Thursday, February 13, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The visitation will continue on Friday, February 14, 2025 at Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church from 1 p.m. until the time of the funeral service at 2 p.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate memorials in Darci's name.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.