Paul Matthys, 55 year old of rural Osakis, passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, as a result of a motor vehicle accident.

A Memorial Service in his honor will take place on Friday, January 9, 2026, at 2:00 PM at the Salem Lutheran Church in rural Osakis. A visitation will take place on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at the church from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, and will continue on the day of the service, one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will take place at a later date at the church cemetery.

Paul was a casual dresser. This is encouraged to honor him at his service. The church will be doing a Facebook live of Paul's service. Their page is called Salem/Sauk Valley Lutheran churches.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to the family or the Salem Lutheran Church

 

Paul Joseph Matthys was born on March 13, 1970, to Virgil and Judy (Gossen) Matthys in Marshall, Minnesota. He was the firstborn of four children. Paul earned his wings on January 2, 2026, at the age of 55, following a tragic motor vehicle accident. He spent his early years living on a farm near Cottonwood. When Paul was near school age the family moved to Montevideo.

Paul attended Montevideo High School, where he played football and wrestled, graduating with the Class of 1988.

 In 1993, Paul met the love of his life, Anne. The two met at Miller’s Cabin on June 9, became engaged on July 4, and were married on March 5, 1994. Paul said, “When he knew, he knew.” After they married, the couple resided in Montevideo.

When Paul and Anne married, he gained a daughter, Denelle. About a year later, they welcomed their daughter, Libby.

 In 2003, the family made the move to rural Osakis where they found joy in the country air.  Then came the grandchildren, whom Paul loved with his whole heart. He rarely missed a game or activity and took great pride in cheering them on.

Paul was a skilled welder by trade. Later he found his calling working in cabinetry, where his craftsmanship and attention to detail truly shined. Paul had a talent for woodworking and found great satisfaction in creating projects with his hands, often making meaningful pieces for family and friends.

He also had a deep appreciation for music. He found great joy in listening to it, especially the legendary sounds of Jimi Hendrix or to a good gospel song. Paul and Anne also enjoyed attending Bob Dylan concerts together. He enjoyed motorcycle rides, watching football—especially the Minnesota Vikings—and notable travels with Anne to Colorado, Wyoming, and Minnesota’s North Shore.

Paul was deeply involved in his church and faithfully served in many roles over the years. At the time of his passing, he held the position of President, a role he carried out with dedication, humility, and a servant’s heart.

 As a giving person, Paul’s final act of kindness was to give the gift of sight and healing through eye and tissue donation. 

Paul leaves behind his wife of 31 years, Anne (Johnson) Matthys; children Denelle Kirk (Andy Blonigen) of Alexandria and Libby Matthys of Osakis; grandchildren, Ashton (Alaina Mitchell) Kirk, Ian Kirk, Nya Sunder; mother, Judy Sutliff of Montevideo; father, Virgil Matthys of Montevideo; siblings, Jeff (Mary) Matthys of Battle Lake, Renee (Steve) Meland of Watertown,  South Dakota, Dean (Heather) Matthys of Montevideo, Don Sutliff of Maple Grove, Rhonda Sutliff of Fargo, North Dakota. Father-in-law; John Johnson of Osakis. Sister-in-law Julie (David) Hiltner of Sauk Centre, brothers-in-law Michael (Marcy) Johnson of Osakis, William (Vicki) Johnson of Clarissa and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.

 Paul is preceded in death by grandparents Emil and Mary Matthys, Jules and Elizabeth Gossen, step-father Ron Sutliff, mother-in-law Carol Johnson, brother-in-law Jermey Johnson and other family members.

Paul’s urn has been handcrafted by his coworkers at Hazel Hill Cabinetry LLC.

Above all else, Paul’s greatest joy was spending time with his family, a love that defined his life and legacy.

 

A full obituary will be available after it has been approved by the family. Please check back at a later date.