Matthew Ryan Lacke

Matthew Ryan Lacke 19, son of Mark and Barbara Lacke, Edgar, died Wednesday, January 11, 2006 at St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield, after a courageous 2 A½ year battle with liver cancer. A 2005 graduate of Edgar High School, he was active in vocal and instrumental music, athletics, student government, National Honor Society and many other club activities. A straight "A" student, he was elected class president all four years of high school. He also enjoyed coaching youth league soccer and softball during the summers. Due to Matt's volunteerism and leadership in the community, he was chosen as the Edgar Jaycee Citizen of the Year. Matt recently completed his first semester at UW-Milwaukee while studying to become a math teacher. Among his many interests, he enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing X-Box and Texas Hold'em with his friends. Survivors include his parents, two sisters, Heather (Steve) Weyda, Colgate and Jamie (Josh) Hewitt, Cudahy; two nieces, Madelyn and Grace Weyda; his maternal grandparents, Edward and Dorothy Kuzia, Racine; his paternal grandmother, Julia Marguerite Lacke, Steubenville, Ohio; as well as many aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Charles Lacke. The funeral mass will be celebrated 11:00 a.m. Saturday, January 14, 2006 at St. John Catholic Church, Edgar. Rev. Norman Boneck will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. and again on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services all at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Edgar is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Matt Lacke Memorial Fund, c/o P.O. Box 173, Edgar, WI 54426. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the many doctors and medical staff at the Marshfield Clinic, St. Joseph Hospital, Marshfield Clinic Wausau Center, Milwaukee Children's Hospital, Pittsburgh Children's Hospital and the Starzl Transplant Center, Pittsburgh for their exceptional care and treatment. Matt expressed gratitude and love for his family, friends, classmates, teachers and the community of Edgar who have supported him throughout his struggles. Matt Lacke Fan Club shirts are welcomed apparel at his visitation and funeral. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com