Mark Robert Matzen

Mark Robert Matzen passed away in Denver, Colorado on March 8, 2016. He requested that his cremated remains be interred in the Matzen family plot in the Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Leigh, Nebraska.

Mark is the great-grandson of Thomas Matzen (Sept. 2, 1866-Sept. 17, 1902), with whom his ashes were interred on October 15, 2016.

Mark was born on September 23, 1950 in Decatur, Illinois. His family lived in Dallas, Texas and Portland, Oregon before settling in Englewood, Colorado in 1954. Mark received his education in Englewood. He attended Englewood High School, where he lettered in tennis and excelled academically, graduating in 1968. He went on to attend Rice University on a Navy ROTC scholarship. A brilliant mathematician, he mastered in computer science which became his career.

Mark spent his professional career in the Denver, Colorado area. He worked at Diner's Club, Computer Graphics Company, McDonnell-Douglas, Intergraph, Maxtor Corp. in Longmont, CO, UGC Consulting, ADP and other high-tech firms in Denver. Mark also worked as an independent systems analyst and software consultant.

Mark enjoyed cooking and baking, especially for other people. He was a generous and thoughtful gift-giver. He had a knack for always selecting the perfect present, which he then skillfully wrapped with beautiful papers and ribbons. He was a lifelong follower of Broncos football and enjoyed coin collecting. He loved being in the outdoors, and was an avid downhill skier early in his life. He liked to travel for pleasure, especially to Mexico, and spoke excellent Spanish.

He also greatly enjoyed car touring in and around the Rocky Mountain region. He often planned and prepared delicious roadside picnics for friends and family who accompanied him on his adventures. Two of Mark's favorite things were music by the band "Led Zeppelin", and fireworks. He especially liked big 4th of July fireworks displays.

Mark was very fond of the cats that he had as pets during his lifetime: "Marble", "B.C.", "Bon Bon" and "Cinders".

Mark was a dedicated son, brother and friend. He deeply loved those close to him and cared for them throughout his lifetime.

Mark was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Thomas Matzen and Frances Evelyn Matzen (née Udeen). He is survived by his siblings, Todd Randal Matzen, Jan Elizabeth Matzen, Jena Leigh Matzen, his nephews Reid, Leif, Alex and niece Isabel, and his special friend Lillian Connelly.

He is loved and dearly missed by his family and friends.