No matter who you ask, everyone in Edgar seems to know of Matt Lacke and his very public battle with cancer. As family and friends continue to grieve for the 19-year-old, they're remembering his gentle manner, and his determination to never give up.

"Before the cancer started three years ago, everyone knew [Matt] and it's grown because of the battle he put forth, and the community rallied," says Bob Houts, principal at Edgar High School.

And that support is still visible throughout the halls of Edgar High School, even after the news of Matt Lacke's death broke Wednesday. Students wore green and yellow "Matt Lacke Fan Club" t-shirts and "Livestrong" bracelets in honor of Matt.

The 19-year-old was diagnosed with liver cancer during his junior year, and underwent a transplant in October 2004, only to discover he had pancreatic cancer last spring. He died exactly one year after arriving home from Pittsburgh after his liver transplant.

But those who knew Matt say he never let his battle with cancer slow him down.

"Whenever you asked him to do something, he got it done, and he found a way. He would organize kids and accomplish things. He could always be counted on," Houts says.

Students and staff took the day to cry, meet with counselors, and reminisce about the good times with Matt. Houts says if the students learn any lessons from this courageous kid, it's to stay positive through the hard times.

"I think that's the big thing we can take away from Matt's situation, you're always fighting, and you do things on your own terms," he says.

Visitation for matt will be Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Saint John's Catholic Church in Edgar, and funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church.

The Lacke family is setting up a memorial fund in honor of Matt, in lieu of flowers. Matt's sister says the money will be used towards scholarships for Edgar High School Students and funding for extra-curricular activities Matt was involved in.

You can send donations to:

Matt Lacke Memorial Fund
P.O. Box 173
Edgar, WI 54426