Judy Marie Matthies

Judy Matthies, 78, of Sioux Falls, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at Good Samaritan Society surrounded by her family.

Judy Matthies was born on January 5th, 1947, in Brookings, SD. She was the daughter of Edmund Lakeman and Marjorie Bowen Lakeman. She received her education in Brookings and was a graduate of the Brookings High School Class of 1965. After high school, she moved to Sioux Falls, SD.

On June 15, 1974, Judy Lakeman was united in marriage to Darryl Matthies in Hartford, SD. Their marriage was blessed with three children, Jason, Tad and Melissa. Judy and Darryl resided in Grand Island, NE and later moved to Brookings, SD. They shared nearly ten years of marriage.

After Judy’s husband passed away in July 1984, she moved her family to Mitchell, SD to start a new life. Judy was employed at Trinity Lutheran Day Care as a cook, and then transitioned as an aide with Helping Hands in Mitchell assisting seniors in their homes. Judy had a heart for special needs children, which she provided care for a number of children over the years in Mitchell.

Judy was a member of TOPS Club, a weight- loss program she was very passionate about and along the way developed close friendships.  

Judy was an avid walker and biker all over of the city of Mitchell. She attended the activities of her children from church programs to sporting events. Judy made a tradition of her taking her children to Valley Fair every summer and she even rode a few roller coasters. Judy enjoyed baking and her peanut butter cookies were a hit! Judy enjoyed spending time with her family, which included four grandchildren.

Judy was diagnosed with MS in September of 2000 and then transitioned to a senior living facility in Salem, SD in March 2002. Judy did move to Sioux Falls and her last residence was Good Samaritan Society, where she was a resident for over nine years. Judy enjoyed going out to eat, shopping and going outside for walks with Tad’s dogs. Overall, her time in the senior living facilities she always had a smile, witty personality and told folks what she “really” thought!

Judy is survived by her three children, Jason (Erin) Matthies of Sioux Falls, SD, Tad Matthies of Sioux Falls, SD, and Melissa (Brian) Rehnelt of Rochester, MN. Judy has four grandchildren, Malea and Kade Matthies of Sioux Falls, SD and Rylee and Camryn Rehnelt of Rochester, MN. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Orville (Shirley) of Chancellor, SD; sister-in-law, Eileen Johnson of Sioux Falls and Berdyene Bowen of Egan, SD.

Judy is preceded in death by her father, Edmund Lakeman, mother, Marjorie Bowen Lakeman and her husband, Darryl Matthies.

Judy was a “fighter,” she experienced a number of health issues over the years and stayed strong through it all! She is the strongest person we ever knew and us kids are proud to call her Mom! All will miss her kind and strong personality!

Our family would like to thank all of the Good Samaritan Village staff for the care they provided for our mom. Judy had many close relationships, and we know she will be missed!

A Visitation will be held 10 AM, Monday, February 17, 2025, with a Celebration of Life starting at 11 AM at Heritage Funeral Home.  Interment will be held at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery.  

The service will be livestreamed via zoom at 

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