Matthew George Mohlke

Matthew Mohlke is a child of God.  He was taken to be with his Heavenly Father in His Kingdom on April 14, 2023.

Matt was born May 30th, 1974. He was raised in Oronoco, MN.  He loved all types of games, competitions and sports, especially baseball. Later in his life he would visit all 30 Major League Baseball parks. He also loved nature and all things outdoors, especially fishing with his two grandfathers.  His heart remained ever youthful.

Matt was a simple man with a gentle soul, who was loved by all who met him.  He had a spirit of playfulness and adventure. Shortly after graduating Suma cum Lauda from Winona State, at age 23 he paddled the entire length of the Mississippi River solo, in a Wenonah Canoe. He published a book about this adventure, which caught the attention of world-record swimmer Martin Strel. Matt became his river navigator and went on to join Strel’s group in his kayak in several river expeditions, including the Mississippi, Parana River, and the entire length of the Amazon River.  Matt went on to author another book based on this adventure, as he had a gift and passion not just for adventure, but writing as well.

In 2007, Matt married his best friend, Kristina Martin. The two of them traveled the country together, playing Yahtzee and enjoying the best parts of life.  In 2015 they welcomed their daughter, the light of their life, Ivy Marie. This opened a new world of adventure, and as a family they loved traveling, hiking, fishing, camping, playing pool and doing outdoor adventures together. Matt was a loving husband and doting father, always quick to build a snowman or help Ivy reel in a big fish.

Matt also worked as a substitute teacher and golf coach at both Arcadia and Cochrane-Fountain City High Schools. He loved all of his golfers. 

Matt’s love for the river ultimately led him to a career with the United States Army Corps of Engineers, where he worked on the Dredge Goetz. Over the most recent year, Matt was joined on the Goetz by his nephew Wake. The two of them shared a very special bond. 

Matt had an immense love for his Savior, Jesus Christ, and spent many of his days reading and studying scripture, and often carrying his tattered Bible in his pocket, along with a small, handmade, wooden cross.  Matt will always be cherished as a loving husband, father, son, brother and friend to so many in the community.

Matt is survived by his loving wife Kristina, daughter Ivy, parents Steve and Evelyn Mohlke of Zumbro Falls, Minnesota, sister Laura (Bryan) Madsen of Fountain City, sister Christin (Tony) Gasner of Sparta and nieces and nephews, Wake, Hale, Gladden, Guthrie and Greta. He was preceded in death by all 4 grandparents.

A memorial service will be at St. John’s United Church of Christ in Fountain City, WI on Saturday April 22 at 11:00AM with an hour of visitation prior.  Talbot Family Funeral Homes of Cochrane, WI assisted the family.  www.talbotfuneralhomes.com