Denis Jerome Matthys

Denis Matthys, age 90, of Marshall, formerly of Cottonwood, Minnesota, died peacefully on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, at the Avera Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall. Memorial Mass will be 10:30 a.m. Friday, April 14, 2023, at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Following interment at the Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Marshall, a reception for attendees will be held back at Holy Redeemer's Carlin Hall.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 2023, at the Hamilton Funeral Home in Marshall.

The evening will begin with a Rosary at 4:00 p.m. and will conclude with a Prayer Service at 6:30 p.m. Visitation will then continue one hour prior to the service, from 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Friday, at the church. Denis Jerome Matthys was born on March 30, 1933, on a farm near Marshall, Minnesota. He was the son of Carvinus and Mary (Bossuyt) Matthys.

Denis grew up near Marshall and he was baptized, received his first communion, and was confirmed at St. Clotilde Catholic Church in Green Valley. Denis later graduated with the Milroy High School Class of 1951. Six days later, Denis enlisted in the United States Army and fought on the front lines in Korea. He served as a rifleman for 16 months with the 45th Infantry Division and took great pride in serving his country. Upon returning home, Denis met Ms. Bonita Cuypers and on May 8, 1954, the two were united in marriage at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Marshall. Bonnie and Denis made their home near Marshall for a number of years before settling on a farm south of Cottonwood in 1968.

Denis was proud to have lived on that farm until he needed more assistance with his daily care and moved to Morningside Heights Care Center in Marshall in 2021. While Denis' top priorities were his family and farm, he was also known to be very handy.

He had skills to fix nearly anything and even assisted his father-in-law with his carpentry work for a time. Denis carried his love for farming into retirement when he still helped his son, Brad, and son-in-law, Phil, care for the land. Denis took it upon himself to maintain trails throughout Renville County Park, if nothing more than an excuse to ride his horses and enjoy the outdoors.

Denis was a proud member of both the Cottonwood American Legion and VFW and the Valley Riders Saddle Club. When the horses became too much, he started collecting and repairing guns, was an avid target shooter and enjoyed hosting his annual shoot with family and friends.

Denis Matthys died peacefully on Wednesday, April 5, 2023, in Marshall, Minnesota, just 6 days following his 90th birthday. Blessed and eternal be his memory. Denis is survived by his 7 children, Cindy (and Raymond) Louwagie of Cottonwood, Greg Matthys of Marshall, Susan (and Paul) Guza of Minneota, Dave (and Joyce) Matthys of Waseca, Brad (and Sharon) Matthys of Cottonwood, Mark (and Brenda) Matthys of Cottonwood, Amy (and Phil) Mauland of Cottonwood; 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren; 3 siblings, Leonard (and Kay) Matthys of Willmar, Eddy (and Connie) Matthys of Durango, CO, Mary Ellen (and Ron) Hodapp of Libertyville, IL; sister-in-law, Francis Matthys of Marshall; nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Bonnie Matthys; daughters, Cherie Matthys, Dawn Matthys; great-grandson, Oliver Matthys; and two brothers, Duane Matthys and Bernie (and Mary) Matthys.