He continued, “I can’t stress how his absolute passion for children just motivated and inspired the board and other members of the staff.” Working alongside one another, Matzke and long-time Camp Director Jimmy Burton “have created something really special there,” Redmond said. He didn’t care who they were,” Redmond remarked. “He just worked all the time to advance the cause of needy children. “He worked tirelessly to promote anything related to kids.” He was also essential in bringing to the camp a job partnership training program with at-risk youth, Redmond said. From increasing the number of campers over the years from 200 to 700 per summer, forming a children’s grieving program open to the community, and overseeing various physical upgrades, Matzke was at the forefront of increasing access to children’s essential services, Redmond said. There were a number of positive developments within the camp that Matzke had his hand in creating. “There was always room at the camp for that child that was in need. He described Matzke as a “visionary leader” whose passion was helping children in need. Matzke began with the camp in 1976 as camp director and eventually became executive director in 1986, “which back then meant running the whole place,” Redmond joked. “Kids were the love of his life,” said Gerard Redmond, president of the Madison County Children’s Camp Board of Directors, who worked closely alongside Matzke for over 30 years. Our deepest sympathy goes out to their families and may they both rest in peace,” the clerk continued. “Their smiles were infectious, their courage unsurpassed, and their love for and dedication to the City of Oneida and its residents evident to all who knew them. “We mourn the loss of two great men,” she said, both Matzke, “mayor and friend,” and Madison County Supervisor and friend Joe Ostrander, who passed away last week. “This has been a very sad week for those of us at City Hall,” wrote Oneida City Clerk Sandra LaPera on her office’s Facebook page. a big loss to the community and to his family and friends.” He was really a fine man, a generous man. He continued, “I’m really going to miss him. Personal relationships were more important than the politics, I think. He was always friendly, cordial, and with “a big smile on his face when I’d see him. Even when Kaiser supported Republican Max Smith over Matzke as the two ran against each other for mayor in 2013, “it made no difference to Leo as far as his relationship with me,” Kaiser reflected. Politics never got in the way for Matzke, Kaiser said. “He helped me a lot because when you’re first elected to an office that you’ve never held before, there’s a bit of a learning curve.he was always very helpful to me and he always was from that time forward.” He described Matzke as generous with his time and always with a word of advice. “I didn’t know Leo well at that time, I’ve gotten to know him well since,” Kaiser said. He said Matzke greatly helped him adjust to the new position. I know we all meet our maker someday, but it doesn’t make it any easier when someone passes that we know and cared about.”įormer councilor Mike Kaiser ran for office for the first time in 2009 as a Democrat alongside Matzke who was running for mayor. “It was a great experience working with Leo Matzke. While serving as acting mayor in Matzke’s medical absence, Chamberlain said he often looked to him for advice. He touched so many people’s lives and hearts,” Chamberlain, who was deputy mayor under Matzke for four years, told the Dispatch. In 2019, the Oneida City Chamber recognized him with the Distinguished Service Award. Matzke is known for his extensive service to the community. Matzke was out again for a month’s time in 2018 also due to health complications, according to Dispatch records. Deputy Mayor Jim Chamberlain stepped in to serve during that time. In 2017, during his time as mayor, Matzke faced health problems keeping him out of office for three months. May God keep him wrapped in his loving arms and give peace and strength to his family and loved ones.” “May he Rest In Peace after this long battle with his health. He was a loving family man with a big heart,” wrote current Oneida Mayor Helen Acker on Facebook. “Leo touched the lives of everyone he met. He was married to his wife, Cheryl Matzke, for 51 years. Matzke was an active member of the community, not only serving in local government but also teaching for 35 years and dedicating his time to Madison County Children’s Camp, also known as Camp Lookout, along with other organizations. He served on the city council for 20 years prior to his first mayoral term. Former Oneida mayor and beloved community leader Leo Matzke passed away on Tuesday, Dec.
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