Obituary

Remembering Zachary Matzke

Zachary Matzke, age 48, of Grandville, went to his heavenly home on Sunday, May 4, 2025.  Zach grew up in Saginaw, MI before moving to St. Joseph MI. He attended St. Joseph High School (‘95) where he played football, basketball, baseball, and American Legion Baseball. He moved to Grand Rapids, where he met his wife, Chris, and graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2000. Zach and Chris raised their family in Grandville and Zach worked for AAA Michigan, and then Sunset Retirement Communities. First and foremost, Zach loved watching his kids do what they loved and watching them grow into incredible young adults. Zach loved fishing, hunting, sports, skiing, playing euchre and above all, his family and friends. Blessed with so many wonderful people in his life, Zach loved deeply and unconditionally. He was extremely loyal, steadfast, hardworking, and sincere. True to his nature, he fought his long battle with brain cancer with a fierce and calm strength, never wavering, always faithful.

Zach is survived by his wife of 20 years, Christina, and their children, Ella and Grant; his parents, Mark and Sally Matzke; sisters, Heather (Josh) Gilbert, Kierstin (Blair) Stock, Louisa (JC) Jones; his parents-in-law, Ken and Marianne Hebert; sister-in-law, Tracy (Jeff) Williams; nieces and nephews, Matt, Kaden, Mary, Lily, John, Nathan, Greta, Winifred, Jack, and Kate; and many dear friends who were more like family.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 am on Friday, May 9, 2025, at St. Pius X Catholic Church, 3937 Wilson Ave. SW, Grandville with Fr. Stephen Durkee officiating. Relatives and friends may visit with the family Thursday, May 8 from 5-9 pm at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home (Grandville) 4145 Chicago Dr. SW as well as at the church one hour prior to the start of mass. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Sunset Benevolence Fund

Service Information

Visitation and Funeral Details

Visitation

Friday, May 9 · 9:00am - 10:00am

Location

St. Pius X Catholic Church

3937 Wilson Ave SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Funeral Service

Friday, May 9 · 10:00am

Location

St. Pius X Catholic Church

3937 Wilson Ave SW
Grandville, MI 49418

Guestbook

Tribute Messages

Leave Your Tribute
So sorry for your loss. Played against Zach in sports in high school & with him for American legion baseball. I still remember what a great guy & teammate he was. Only ran into each other a few times since high school but he was the same kind, easy to talk to person as he was back then. Again, I’m so sorry for your loss.

— Steve Wark

Chris and family, I am sincerely sorry for your loss. Zach was my supervisor at AAA for years & he will always be remembered.

— Samara Jones

Chris and fam, I am so sorry to hear of Zach’s passing. Praying for peace and comfort for you all during this difficult time.

— Dawn DeVries

Chris , Ella and Grant, I am deeply sorry for your loss. Zach was such a kind soul. You will all be in my prayers.

— Peggy Burrows

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