MATTHEW KNUDSEN SR.

Matthew S. Knudsen, Sr., 64, of Wagner died unexpectedly on Saturday, May 8, 2021 at the Community Memorial Hospital in Wagner. Funeral services were Thursday, May 13 at the National Guard Armory in Wagner. Burial was in the Greenwood Presbyterian Cemetery, rural Greenwood. Peters Funeral Home in Wagner was in charge of arrangements.

Matthew Silas Knudsen, Sr. Was born March 23, 1957 to Maxine White Lance and Alexander Knudsen, Jr. in Wagner, at the Indian Health Service. He was the sixth-born out of twelve kids. He attended Marty Indian School, graduating in 1976. He was also Prom King that year. He went to Dakota Wesleyan University for a year and played football. He attended the police academy in Pierre and graduated in 1980, becoming a Yankton Sioux Tribal police officer. In 1981, he married his high school sweetheart Susan Picotte. They would remain married for 39 years and 11 months.

After getting married, he became a correctional officer for the South Dakota State Penitentiary in Sioux Falls, eventually transferring to the Springfield State Prison (which would become the Mike Durfee State Prison). While working at the prisons, he would bring in teams to play the inmates in basketball. He also played softball with a team made up of guards from the prison. He worked there for 25 years, earning an Employee of the Month award along the way and retired as a Senior Correctional Officer. After retirement he would work as a CHR for the Indian Health Service and then as a Gaming Commissioner for the Fort Randall Casino for 13 years. He loved both jobs.

Another joy Matt found later in life was coaching for the Boys & Girls Club football teams. He was eager to teach all he knew about football. He would also coach boys baseball in Wagner. He did this for many years but was unable to coach this last year.

Matt loved sports: playing them, watching them and even announcing them. His favorite teams were the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins. He loved playing softball, golf, basketball and darts. He had a strong sense of humor matched with his strong sense of humility. He loved his family, friends and co-workers.

Matt Sr. is survived by his wife Susan, two sons: Matt Jr. (Cy) and Brett; and his many nephews, nieces and adopted grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Alex III, Dean, Brady, Melvin, Ronnie Sr. and his sisters Linda and Bootz.