Richard Terry Matzke, 78, of Ellis, Kansas, passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at Wesley Medical Center in Wichita, Kansas. He was born in Denver, Colorado, on June 21, 1948, to Warren Richard and Emily (Brooks) Matzke. After graduating from St. Francis High School, he attended Rockmont Christian College and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Fort Hays State University. Richard proudly served his country as an Operating Room Technician in the U.S. Navy—an experience that paved the way for a long, meaningful career in nursing.
For decades, Richard was a reassuring, gentle presence in local healthcare, serving patients at Hadley Hospital and HaysMed, including fifteen years specializing as an Infection Control Nurse. Known for his calm, quiet, and deeply empathetic demeanor, Richard earned the affection of countless patients who found comfort in his care.
On Christmas Eve in 1973, Richard married the love of his life, Mary Lou (Shaver), in North Platte, Nebraska. Together, they built a home grounded in family, faith, and shared joy until her passing on December 25, 2017.
Above all his professional accomplishments, Richard’s greatest joy was his family. Outside of work, Richard embraced life in Ellis and Hays. He was a longtime member of the Ellis Country Club and the Hays City Sportsmen’s Club, enjoying numerous rounds of golf, pheasant hunts, playing pinochle, and capturing the beauty of the world around him through photography.
A faithful and active member of North Oak Community Church, Richard shared his gifts generously. He served as the pianist for the church quartet and offered comfort to others navigating loss by helping facilitate the church’s Grief Care ministry.
Richard is survived and lovingly remembered by his son, Blake Matzke and wife Amanda and their son Graeme of Ellis; his daughter, Wendy Geschwentner and husband Patrick and their children, Moriah and Noah of Ottawa, Kansas; a brother, Russ Matzke and wife Claudine of Walsh, Colorado and a sister, Pam Carlton and husband Mark of Colby, Kansas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Warren and Emily; and his wife, Mary Lou Matzke.
Funeral services will be 10:30 AM Saturday, August 29, 2026 at North Oak Community Church, 3000 Oak Street in Hays. Private family inurnment will be in the Armel Cemetery in rural Wray, Colorado.
Memorial visitation will be Friday 5 PM - 7 PM at Keithley Funeral Homes and Crematory - Brock's Chapel 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601. Saturday memorial visitation will be at the church starting at 9:30 AM until service time.
Memorial contributions are suggested to North Oak Community Church or Maranatha Bible Camp.
Memories may be shared on Richard's tribute page at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com.
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