Obituary of Larry Matschke

Larry Thomas Matschke was born on January 30, 1975 in Brighton Colorado to Carl and Barbara Matschke. From an early age, he had a passion and knack for country life, and was always helping out with the family’s dairy. In the early eighties, he moved with his family to Vona, Colorado where he attended Hi-Plains Elementary and High School. During this time, Larry had many personal and academic accomplishments. These included helping his dad build their underground house north-east of Seibert, Colorado in 1989, winning the FFA State Ag Mechanics competition with his brother, Earl, and Wayne Garner in 1993, and beginning his future career as a professional welder by working at Steel Corner. On August 2, 1997 Larry and Teresa Thorson welcomed their first son, Devan Carl into the world. A month later, they mourned his loss. On December 28, 1999 Larry married Teresa and gained his only daughter, Tori Mae Thorson. Soon after, they welcomed their second son, Austin Lane on May 1st 2000. Larry divorced Teresa in 2010, but found a new love in Sherry Torson and her children JaKayla and Shanya. Larry loved his family and there was nothing he wouldn’t do for them. Larry worked hard and ensured that Tori and Austin had a good life. Larry and Tori would often go shooting or work on cars together and Austin was ever present while Larry worked in his shop and checked cattle. Larry loved being a welder and had a deep respect and love for his boss Dick McAuley. As Larry’s role model, Dick helped him build a reputation and love for the craft. Larry also loved farming and ranching, and could not have been more proud of his crops and cattle; finding a deep satisfaction in continuing the traditions rooted in him from his childhood. Larry was a very active member of the community. His contributions included being an Accountability Representative for the Hi-Plains School Board, and a member of the Hi-Plains Booster Club. He also valued his many relationships and loved cooking for and having a few (or sometimes too many) beers with all of his friends. Larry is preceded in death by his parents: Carl Matschke and Barbara Duvall, his son: Devan Matschke, his grandparents: Earl and Phoene Matschke and Claxton Duvall, his uncles: Robert Matschke, Larry Matschke, Kevin Smith, Jack Burian, and James Baylie, his aunts Connie Matschke and Carol Rogers, and his cousin Terry Matschke. He is survived by his children: Tori Thorson and Austin Matschke, their mother: Teresa Matschke, his brother: Earl Matschke, his sisters: Jessie Jantzen (and husband Jeff) and Anna Matschke, his stepfather: Gene Duvall, his grandparents: Tom and Nadine Burian and Daisy Duvall, uncles: Gary Matschke (and wife Cindy), Bill Rogers, Joe Burian (and wife Sharon), Jeff Burian and Mike Marzolf, aunts: Patricia Randall, Patti Matschke, Julia Baylie, Kristy Richie (and husband VanDale), Nikki Marzolf, and Cheryl Burian and numerous cousins, loved ones, and close friends. Larry left us on October 31, 2013 as his final trick, and will be experiencing the ultimate treat as he reunites with the host of wonderful people that have gone before him. He will be truly missed.