Rex Matzinger

TRAVERSE CITY — Rex A. Matzinger, 83, of Traverse City and formerly of Boyne City, died peacefully on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011, at Munson Hospice House, with his loving family by his side. Rex was born on June 27, 1927, to the late Hubel and Thelma (Wilcox) Matzinger in Boyne City. Rex was raised in Lansing and attended Lansing Eastern High School. He enlisted in the United States Navy toward the end of World War II and served in the Pacific. Upon returning to civilian life, Rex earned degrees at Michigan State College and Michigan State University. On Saturday, June 14, 1952, Rex married the love of his life, the former Dorothy M. Jackson Kelbert, in Lansing. The young couple moved to Romeo soon after and resided there until 1983. Rex was baptized and confirmed at St. John's Lutheran Church at the age of 26. Rex worked first as a fifth grade teacher and then as a middle school counselor until his retirement in 1983. During this time Rex served 12 years on the Romeo School Board and served on the Macomb County Intermediate School Board as well. He was a lifetime member of the M.E.A. and the N.E.A. Upon his retirement, Rex and Dorothy moved to Traverse City, where he was active in the Gideons International. He enjoyed spending time with children, grandchildren and friends at the beloved family cottage on Long Lake and was an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Interlochen. Rex is survived by his wife of 58 years, Dorothy; daughters, Kathleen (Mark) VanPoppelen, of Rochester, Ellen Marie (Beau) Pike, of Greensboro, N.C., Carolyn (Dr. Ron Marshall) Matzinger, Joanna (Dr. Paul) VanRaaphorst and daughter-in-law, Karen Dancey, of Macomb, 12 grandchildren; five great grandchildren; and many loving family members and friends. Rex was preceded in death by his son, Matthew Matzinger; and brother, Jack E. Matzinger. Visitation for friends and family will be held from 1 until 4 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 13, 2011, at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Funeral services will take place at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at the Redeemer Lutheran Church, with Pastor Mark Berlin officiating. Graveside committal services will be held in Linwood Cemetery in the spring. Memorial contributions may be directed to Munson Hospice House. Please visit Rex's online guestbook at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com to share your thoughts and memories with the family. The family is being served by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.