Obituary of Earl Matschke

Earl John Matschke was born on September 18, 1976 in Walsh, Colorado to Carl and Barbara Matschke. After a short time in Walsh, and then the family dairy outside of Denver, Earl moved to Eastern Colorado where he attended Hi-Plains Elementary and High School. Even from an early age, as his kindergarten teacher regaled, Earl was always a gentleman, always wanting to make people happy, and a little clumsy. After graduating from high school, Earl began his adult journey in Sterling, Colorado where he attended NJC. During this time, he made numerous life-long friends and created bonds and stories that would last a life time. He then continued this tradition as he moved to Goodwell, Oklahoma and attended OPSU. In the early 2000s, Earl returned to Colorado and established his home and beloved shop in Seibert. Earl was a man of many talents and passions. He loved cooking, especially smoking meats and providing wonderful meals to share for special occasions, or even “just because”. Earl enjoyed exploring new cuisines, and looked forward to his visits to other places so that he could have Mongolian BBQ, seafood, mammoth burritos, Chinese food, etc. Earl was known for playing darts, and was in numerous leagues and won many competitions over the years. Music played an ever present role in Earl’s life. He LOVED playing songs for everyone and sharing newly discovered gems. Earl had a natural ability for sketching and creating art, as well as a beautiful singing voice, although he would never let you know it. There was little Earl would not do for the people he cherished. He valued his friends and family, and made sure they all knew that. Whether it was a planned trip or a surprise visit, Earl thrived on the open road, traveling the country, and seeing the people that made his life so rich and full of love. Earl had an affinity for children and had a gentle way of connecting with them, despite his stature. He had a complete devotion to his nephew, Austin, which no one could deny. Earl is preceded in death by his parents: Carl Matschke and Barbara Duvall, his brother: Larry Matschke, his nephew: Devan Matschke, his grandparents: Earl and Josephine Matschke and Claxton Duvall, his uncles: Robert Matschke, Larry Matschke, Kevin Smith, Jack Burian, and Jim Baylie, his aunts: Connie Matschke and Carol Rogers, and his cousin: Terry Matschke. He is survived by his sisters: Jessie Jantzen (and husband Jeff) and Anna Matschke, niece: Tori Thorson, nephew: Austin Matschke, stepfather: Gene Duvall, grandparents: Tom and Nadine Burian and Daisy Duvall, uncles: Gary Matschke (and wife Cindy), Bill Rogers, Joe Burian (and wife Sharon), Jeff Burian (and wife Katrina), and Mike Marzolf, aunts: Julia Hubbell (and husband Terry), Kristy Richie (and husband Van Dale), Nikki Marzolf, Cheryl Burian, Patti Matschke, and Patricia Randall, and numerous cousins, loved ones, and close friends. Earl left this Earth, fittingly on Earth Day, 4/22/15. He departed us on his terms, and after doing what he loved, being free on the open road riding his Harley. A dear friend of his frequently said “To know Earl is to love Earl.” A truer statement could not have been made. Ride on Brother.