Violet R. "Pennie" Mattke, 97, of North Platte, passed away October 21, 2019 at her home.  She was born November 4, 1921 to Conrad and Marie (Sitzman) Schmer at Hoskins, NE.

Pennie was in the United States Navy Waves from 1944 until her honorable discharge in 1946.  On April 28, 1955, she was united in marriage to Donald L. Mattke at Gothenburg.  She resided in Norfolk, Neligh and then North Platte after her marriage.  She was employed as a clerk for Pacific Fruit Express.

She was a member of The First United Presbyterian Church from 1947 to present; where she took many roles there including, children's choir director for 23 years and Sunday school teacher for 8 years.  Pennie volunteered at the Red Cross, Great Plains Health and NPPS PTA, she was a past president at UPRR Junior Old Timers; held a Private Pilot's license for 10 years and raised abandoned twin bears to maturity.

She is survived by her children, Donna J. Schwitzer of Salem, SD, Richard H. Mattke of Newnan, GA, James D. Mattke of Ann Arbor, MI, Jacqueline M. Brown of Red Bluff, CA and Gregory G. Mattke of North Platte; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren; and her special angel and caregiver, Cari Cook of North Platte. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Donald; a sister, Lillian; and a brother, Phillip.

Online condolences may be shared at www.carpentermemorial.com . Memorials are suggested to the North Platte Animal Shelter in her memory.  Cremation was chosen.  An inurnment with military honors will be at Ft. McPherson National Cemetery at a later date.  Carpenter Memorial Chapel is in care of arrangements.