Matthew George Reese, 82, of Mentor, MN, beloved husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, and uncle was called to his eternal resting place surrounded by family on February 10, 2024, while at Sanford hospital in Bemidji, MN. He entered this world on November 3,1942 in Roseau, MN, born to William and Mary Reese.
He attended school in Thief River Falls. After finishing the 9th grade, he went to work with his father in the family house-moving business. He enlisted in the Navy at 18 and served 3 years. He then returned to Thief River Falls where he continued to work with his father. When passing through Grand Forks they would stop at Valley Truck stop where he met the love of his life, Cheryl, and they were married on May 29, 1965. At the beginning of their lives together they lived in Hendrum, East Grand Forks, and Oslo, MN. They moved to Mentor, MN where they made their home for the last 40 years.
Matthew had a love for his family and friends, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren brought him much joy. He would give the shirt off his back to anyone that he felt needed it more than him. He loved being a jokester and making people laugh was always a top priority for him. He had many jobs and talents. He was an auto body mechanic, a welder, an engine mechanic, a caretaker, a bus driver, a volunteer fire fighter and an EMT. He loved to be outdoors. Traveling and camping were a few of the things that he loved to do in his off time, along with playing cards and games with his in-laws and children.
He is survived by his sons, Tony Reese and Mitch Reese; daughter, Lindi (Jon) Christianson; seven grandchildren, Kyle Reese, Scott (Nikki) Reese, Adam (Carly) Reese, Johnathon Cooper, Becca Reese, Mitchell Reese, and Cole (Tanya) Christianson; 11 great-grandchildren, Arianna, Maverick, Carson, Carter, Ember, Makenna, Mealla, Gabriella, Lily, Warren, and Wallace; brother, James Reese; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Cheryl; parents, William and Mary Reese; grandson, Cody Christianson; brothers, Nick, Ben, Chuck, and Ronnie; and sister, Rosie Needham.
A Graveside Celebration of Life Service will take place at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Norman Lutheran Cemetery, Bear Park Township, Norman County, MN, 4385 Norman County Rd 7, Gary, MN.
Please view our guestbook and share condolences online at www.eriksonvikfh.com
Arrangements with Erikson-Vik-Ganje Funeral Home of Fertile, Minnesota