Galen Matzek 09/05/2026

Galen Donald Matzek, 73, the son of the late Don and Lee Matzek, died peacefully on September 5, 2026. A lifelong resident of River Falls, Galen graduated from River Falls Senior High School in 1971 and attended UW-River Falls. He was a meat cutter by trade and worked at many local grocery stores in the meat department.

Despite lifelong health challenges, Galen kept a positive attitude and enjoyed swimming, walking and playing cards with friends and family. He liked to golf and shot a hole-in-one in 1981 while playing for his father’s Don’s Clothing team in the Monday men’s league. He also loved to just get in the car and go exploring new territories.

A member of St. Bridget’s Catholic Church, Galen was a member of the Knights of Columbus and enjoyed singing in the church choir. Galen always loved music and could be heard singing along with the entertainment at Comforts of Home. Galen loved Christmas and enjoyed being Santa for his niece and nephews.

Galen is survived by his sisters Sue (Mike) Danielson, Maralee (Denny) Shoemaker, Kristi Sloniger (Peter Conover) and brother, Joe (MaryBeth) Matzek; nephews and nieces Sandy Hunting, Scott Shoemaker, Nicole Bartelt, Matt Danielson, Alec Danielson, Lauren Sloniger, Michael Matzek and Allison Matzek, and many grand nephews and nieces.

A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 11 am at Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services 805 E Division Street River Falls, WI. Visitation will also be on Friday from 10-11 am at the funeral home. Private interment will be in St. Bridget Cemetery in River Falls.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the River Fall Free Clinic or St. Bridget Church. Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.