DOUGLAS MATUSKA

A private family service for Douglas Matuska, 74, of Lake Andes was held at Peters Funeral Home in Wagner. Burial was in the St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery, rural Armour.

Douglas Lee Matuska, age 74, of Lake Andes died April 10, 2024 of a stroke at Avera Mckennan Hospital. Doug was born to Lorraine (Kirchhevel) and Joseph Fred Matuska December 9, 1949 in Armour.

Doug farmed alongside his dad until 1995, when his dad passed away. Throughout the years, he worked for Hugo Solko at the Pheasant Tap, the Idle Hour, and the VFW. In 2000, Doug began working as a Security Officer at the Mike Durfee State Prison until 2012. After retirement he enjoyed going to the Ft. Randall Casino where he enjoyed visiting with the many people he met from South Dakota, Iowa, and Nebraska. He especially enjoyed the fry bread and homemade soups prepared by the chefs at the FRC.

Doug enjoyed the country life managing his cattle and looking after his and Tammy’s horses. Trail rides and rides in the pasture brought him joy.

Doug met and married Linda Pesek and to this union his first child Lori Lee was born. In 1985, he married Tamela Sejnoha and was overjoyed with the birth of his son Joseph James later that year.

Pheasant hunting, deer hunting, and chasing coyotes was a favorite past time.

Doug loved receiving greeting, birthday, and fathers day cards from his daughter Lori - keeping and rereading them on a regular basis.

Doug enjoyed being a grandpa to Lilly, Layla, and Lawson and spent many weekends and holidays watching them grow and cherishing their many hugs.

His love for pickled beets and cinnamon pickles made by his daughter-in-law Michelle was evident by his continual asking her to keep him supplied.

Doug is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Tammy of Lake Andes and Yankton; daughter Lori Lee of Craig, CO; son Joseph (Michelle) Matuska and grandchildren Lilly, Layla, and Lawson of Pierce, NE; his best friend Brutus, his Boston Terrier; nieces, nephews, and many others.

Doug was preceded in death by his father Joseph, 1995; mother Lorraine, 2018; sister Dianne Kocer, 1994; sister-in-law Lynn Matuska, 2015; and niece Katarina Matuska, 2023.