Christa M. Matter of La Crosse, Wis., was 35 when she died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005. She had been a faculty member in the WSU Physical Education and Recreation department, had served as head coach of the WSU track team and assistant coach of the WSU volleyball team.       She was born June 27, 1969, in Milwaukee, Wis., and graduated from Bemidji, Minn., High School in 1987. She earned her bachelor of arts degree from Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, in 1991 and her master of science degree from Indiana University in 1992. She began teaching and coaching at Winona State in 1995.

Matter and her life partner Michelle Dedin were married June 7, 2003, in Winona. Matter was an educator and coach at all levels (K-college). Most recently, she taught courses at Winona State University and the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse.

      She also served as the youth director at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in La Crosse. Her community involvements included: member of the Lutheran Campus Center Board of Directors; Special Olympics; Girls and Women in Sports Day; Women's Resource Center; WSU Women's Studies Advisory Board; special faculty mentor to students and athletes; WILL program; WSU faculty senate; Fighting for our Rights and Gender Equality (FORGE); B-GLAD; National Association for Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS); American Association for Physical Education, Health, Recreation and Dance (AAPHRD), and a champion of women's issues and issues of social justice.

      Matter enjoyed outdoor and recreational activities of all kinds. She was a marathon runner, participated in the AIDS ride, loved to kayak, hike, ski and swim.

            A memorial service for Matter was held on campus and was well-attended by colleagues, students, and former students and athletes. Memorials are preferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, the Lutheran Campus Ministry in Winona or Seven Rivers GLBT Resource Center

Last Modified: Monday, November 26, 2007 15:25 by Rhone Richard