Mona Matuska Obituary
Mona Matuska, 83, of Spirit Lake passed away on Sunday, September 21, 2025, at Accura Healthcare of Spirit Lake. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday, September 26, 2025, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake, IA. A Vigil service will take place at 4:00 P.M. Thursday at the church followed by a Rosary Service at 4:30 P.M. at the church. Visitation will be held on Thursday at the church from 5-7 P.M. Burial will take place in the Good Shepherd Cemetery in Jackson, MN. Arrangements are under the direction of the Robinson Funeral Home in Spirit Lake, IA. Online condolences may be left at www.spiritlakefuneralhome.com Mona was born on March 20, 1942, in Benson, MN, to Leslie and Harriet (Kolander) Wilson. She lived in Benson until the age of 8 and then moved with her family to Jackson, Minnesota. She graduated from Jackson High School in 1960, where she participated in choir and the school newspaper, and was also a cheerleader. After high school, Mona worked at M&JR Hakes, where she was employed by her future father-in-law. Mona wed David Matuska on October 24, 1963, in Jackson, MN, at St. Wenceslas Catholic Church. Mona and Dave were blessed with five children: Mary Lynn, born in Mankato, MN; Mark, born in Olivia, MN; Mike, born in Jackson, MN; Marshall, born in Sheldon, IA; and Matthew, also born in Sheldon, IA. Together, they raised their family in Sheldon, where she did in-home childcare and worked as an administrative assistant at Sheldon Community Hospital. Mona was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, where she sang in the choir and was a member of the Catholic Daughters of America for over 25 years, serving in multiple leadership roles throughout her tenure. Mona had a gift for building friendships and creating joy wherever she went. She loved spending time with others and stayed active through golf and bowling leagues, where she valued both the competition and the camaraderie. She and Dave were devoted members of a bridge club that became a constant in their lives, bringing them decades of fellowship and laughter. Above all, Mona and Dave dedicated themselves to supporting their children-cheering from the sidelines at countless games, applauding proudly at concerts and plays, and encouraging every passion and talent their children pursued. In retirement, they moved to Otter Tail County, MN, where Mona and Dave worked part-time at a golf course, and Mona also served as the activity director at a senior center. They were active members of the Church of the Sacred Heart in Dent, MN, and Sacred Heart Church in Frazee, MN, where Mona lovingly led the St. Martha's Circle. This area held a special place in their hearts, as they had spent many cherished family vacations there with their children over the years. During the winter months, they spent time in Arizona, where Mona stayed active and engaged with her community. She cheered on the Superstition Sunrise Red softball team, of which Dave was a member, enjoyed rounds of golf, participated in water aerobics, and devoted time to volunteering by making quilted sleeping bags for the homeless. Their "parties in the park" became a beloved tradition, creating lasting memories and forging friendships that endured for years. In 2013, Mona and Dave moved back to Spirit Lake, IA, where they enjoyed the blessing of being closer to family and lifelong friends. They continued the cherished tradition of hosting Christmas celebrations, filling their home with joy and laughter. Mona especially treasured these gatherings, as they gave her the chance to watch her children begin raising families of their own. She found great joy in seeing her grandchildren grow, celebrating and watching their accomplishments, and welcoming great-grandchildren into the world. For Mona, these years at Spirit Lake were among the most meaningful, as they were filled with family milestones, special memories, and the simple happiness of being surrounded by those she loved most. Mona was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Keith Wilson and his wife Sandra; and her in-laws, Robert Matuska and his wife Karren. Mona is survived by her husband, David; daughter Mary Lynn (Troy) Lewis of Plattsmouth, NE; son Mark (Suzy) Matuska of Milford, IA; son Michael (Amy) Matuska of Zumbrota, MN; son Marshall (Shelly) Matuska of Spirit Lake, IA; and son Matthew (Kari) Matuska of George, IA. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren: Tyler (Gracie) Lewis, Spencer (girlfriend Mary Jane "MJ" Melanson) Lewis, Drake (Kaia) Matuska, Kelsi (Broc) Berge, Gabrielle (fiancé Nate Meixell) Matuska, Olivia Matuska, Jackie (Jack) Purvis, Tara Matuska, Joel Matuska, Michaela (Zach) Arneson, Macade Matuska, Matthew Matuska, and Madilyn Matuska; and 12 great-grandchildren, with two additional great-grandchildren expected to join the family soon and her brother Richard (Jane) Wilson of Arlington, TN. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Accura HealthCare in Spirit Lake and the hospice team at Lakes Regional Healthcare for the compassionate care they provided to Mona. Her warmth and infectious smile touched many lives, and while she will be deeply missed, her family takes comfort in knowing she is at peace in her heavenly home, reunited with loved ones and resting in the arms of her Savior.
Published by Northwest Iowa Now on Sep. 24, 2025.