Peter Matzen

Peter Matzen, age 97 years, passed away in Petaluma this week after a short illness. He was the devoted husband for 591/2 years to the late Wilma Steinweg Matzen. Loving father of Norman Matzen (Theresa) of El Dorado Hills, CA, Harold Matzen (Ann) of Petaluma, Dennis Matzen (Michele) of Jacksonville, OR, and Diane Matzen (David Brunhofer) of Petaluma. Cherished grandfather of Jim Matzen (Susan), Michael Givas, Pamela Pena (Jeff), Peter Matzen, Erik Fuller (Victoria), Debbie Alwyn (Jim) and Steven Michael. Great-grandfather of 11. Adored brother of the late Henry Matzen, Theodore Matzen, Martin Matzen and Mary Grimes. Survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Born on a family ranch on Ely Road, which is now the site of Fox Hollow Playground, he was reared and educated in Petaluma. Peter was the son of Theodore and Charlotte Matzen, natives of the Isle of Föhrs. Peter was foreman of the Hardin Ranch chicken breeding farm on Hardin Lane for a few years in the early 1940's before working as an incubator tech at the Pioneer Hachery. Peter entered the pest control business in 1948 then started and ran Matzen Pest Control in 1956 retiring 45 years later. He enjoyed camping with family, fishing, hunting and R.V. trips with Wilma for years prior to her death in 1996. He was a member of I.O.O.F #30 holding a 50 year pin, a member of Native Sons of the Golden West-Nicasio Parlor #183, SIRS #58 where last year he was awarded the Super Senior Award for members over 95 and a member of The Pest Control Operators of California. He served on the Board of Trustees of the Wilson School, Wilmar District for 25 years and held a life time membership pin for his services. A special "Thank You" to Well Care where Peter lived since 2008 and was cared for by Auntie, LaDonna, Anna and especially Lee who was an almost constant companion and special "Thanks" to Dr. Loker and Dr. Aye. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at PARENT-SORENSEN MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, CA. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to NSGW #183, Scholarship Fund, C/O Warren Katen, 905 West St., Petaluma, CA 94952. Private inurnment at Cypress Hill Memorial Park, Petaluma.