Matthew Frank Nitschke

Obituary Matthew Frank Nitschke passed away at Pikes Peak Hospice on Monday April 6th, 2015. He was 54 years old. Matt is survived by his wife of nearly 31 years, Dr. Leann Nitschke, along with his parents, Alfred and Ella Nitschke. Matt is also survived by his brother, Mike and Cathy Nitschke, and sister, Laura and Jim Haywood. His numerous nieces and nephews knew him as their beloved Uncle Matt: Robin and Mark Haywood, Paul and Adam Nitschke, Jessica and Melissa Strobel, Bryanna, Jaime and David Hathaway, and Alisa and Jenifer Hathaway. His brother, Mark Nitschke, preceded him in death. Matt was born on March 12, 1961 in Sparta, Michigan where he lived until attending college in Houghton, Michigan. He was awarded a Bachelors Degree from Michigan Technological University in 1984. It was at Michigan Tech that Matt met Leann. Together they were active in the pep band as Matt was an accomplished musician playing the tuba, sousaphone and the trumpet. He was also a gifted vocalist. During his college years he was very involved in the co-ed service fraternity Alpha Phi Omega. On June 9th, 1984 Matt and Leann were married in Sparta, Michigan. Following their wedding the newlyweds settled in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin while Leann attended the Medical College of Wisconsin. Matt and Leann lived in Michigan, Illinois, Maryland, New York and Colorado. They made many friends all across the country, and moved to Colorado Springs approximately 6 years ago. Matt worked as a computer analyst and consultant and was a wonderful stay-at-home husband while Leann practiced medicine and then transitioned into medical administration. He frequently stated he was semi-retired, but his many volunteer activities included singing in the small and large choirs at the Chapel of Our Saviour and ringing handbells. He was always ready to lend a helping hand to friends and family; even assisting his niece to move across the country to attend college. A delicious cook, he made many meals and enjoyed hosting dinner parties at their home. His specialty was making desserts for friends. Matt was a gentle quiet man of faith. He was an active member of the Chapel of Our Saviour and the light of Gods love shown through his eyes. Matt and Leann also loved to travel. They have visited over 184 National Parks and 294 lighthouses across the world. In keeping with these passions Matt and Leann have requested that memorials be sent to the following: The Chapel of Our Saviour The United Stated Lighthouse Society The National Park Conservation Association In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Matts honor to one or more of the following: Chapel of Our Savior 8 4th St, Colorado Springs, CO 80906 www.chapelofoursaviour.com ~ ~ ~ The United States Lighthouse Society 9005 Point No Point Road NE, Hansville, WA 98340 www.uslhs.org ~ ~ ~ The National Parks Conservation Association 777 6th St, NW, Suite 700Washington, DC 200001-3723 www.npca.org Services Visitation Friday April 10, 2015 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Cappadona Funeral Home 1020 E Fillmore St Colorado Springs, CO 80907 Funeral Service Saturday April 11, 2015 10:00 AM Chapel of Our Saviour 8 Fourth Street Colorado Springs, CO Burial Oak Hill Cemetery 400 N. Maple Street North Freedom, WI 53951