Irvin L. "Bud" Matzke

Bud spent his entire life as a resident of Tieton, WA. He was an active member of Highland United Methodist Church where he served as treasurer and sang in the choir for many years. Predeceasing Bud were his parents; his step mother, Mattie Thompson Matzke; his brother Wesley Matzke; his sisters: Charlotte Weaver, Elnora Zuetenhorst and Elaine Webert. He is survived by his youngest brother Ron and wife Joan Matzke of McKinney TX.

A point of pride for Bud was his 4 years of Navy service during World War II. He felt blessed to have survived the battle of Tarawa in the Gilbert Islands where he narrowly escaped being deployed with the Marines. He was proud of having served on Admiral Halsey’s staff on the USS Missouri. He felt such a part of history at having been present at the signing of the Peace Treaty with Japan in Tokyo Bay on August 14, 1945. He was honored to have participated with family in the decommissioning of the USS Missouri from Bremerton’s Naval Shipyard. He was also able to travel to the USS Missouri Memorial in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii where he shared his memories onboard with his children and grandsons.

Bud loved to dance and was on a bowling team which he enjoyed for many years. He was also a devoted sports fan. Bud was a reluctant orchardist but was an enthusiastic coffee shop farmer. He could chat with virtually anyone!

He is survived by Roberta Diane (Chris) Dietz of Lacey, WA, Sandra (David) Harmening of Cashmere, WA and David Bruce (Shana) Matzke of Tieton, WA.

Bud had 7 grandsons: Nathan H. Darden, Mark K. (Jessica) Darden, Garrett D. Matzke, Gannon A. Matzke, Jordan J. (Lana) Matzke, Joshua R. (Erina) Harmening and Cody L. Harmening. He was blessed with seven great grandchildren: Neviyah and Xavier Harmening, Blythe and Kyle Darden, Emma Matzke, Austin and Bryce Matzke.

His family wishes to thank the staff at Chesterley Meadows for a decade of loving care, and to express our gratitude for his “last care” at Landmark Care Center. We are also grateful for the commitment of the Veteran’s Administration in caring for dad and thus maintaining his pride in having served his country.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on August 24th at West Hills Memorial Park.

A gathering of remembrance will follow at the home of Bruce and Shana Matzke, 190 Nash Rd., Tieton, Washington.

In lieu of flowers, if you would like to make a memorial donation, Bud was supportive of the Wounded Warrior Project. To celebrate the life of Bud and share a memory visit www.keithandkeith.com.