Pennington County (trfnews.i234.me) – Family and friends are remembering Matthew Paul Lewis as a loyal worker, skilled tinkerer, and caring husband, stepfather, and grandfather.
Matthew Paul Lewis, remembered by family across Minnesota, North Dakota, and beyond.
Early Life and Family
Matthew Paul Lewis was born on October 18, 1968, in Petoskey, Michigan.
Friends and family called him Matt.
He grew up with a strong sense of family and faith.
Those values stayed with him his entire life.
Matt is survived by his wife, Mavis Lewis of Minnesota.
He is also survived by his stepdaughters, Renea Battistella of Minnesota and
Anna Langley (Benett) of Georgia.
They say he treated them as his own children.
Matt’s grandchildren held a special place in his heart.
They include Maeghan Moore (Cody) of Georgia, Kaitlyn Wyenberg (Logan) of Wisconsin,
Noah Langley, who serves in the U.S. Navy, Michael Battistella Jr. of Wisconsin,
Gabriel Langley of Georgia and Angel “Kylie” Battistella of Wisconsin.
Two great-grandchildren, Novalee and Amos Moore of Georgia, also survive him.
Brothers, Sisters, and Extended Family
Matt’s brother, Ben Lewis (Heidi) of North Dakota, also survives him.
Their children are Daniel Lewis (Lotum), Joe Lewis, and Josh Lewis, all of North Dakota.
His sister, Eve Hickman (Dave) of Michigan, survives him as well.
Their children are Seth Hickman (Vyctoria) of Wyoming, Rachel Braun (Dave) of Australia,
and Jonah Hickman (Maya) of Michigan.
Matt was also close to nephews Ben Ash and Jarrod Ash, both of Minnesota.
Several great-nieces and great-nephews survive him: Roman Ash, Ellia Braun, Adam Braun, Summer Braun, Emmersyn Hickman, Reid Hickman, and Wrenley Hickman.
Family members say gatherings were loud, warm, and full of stories.
Hobbies, Dogs, and Love of Building
Matt enjoyed simple, hands-on work in his free time.
He was an avid coin collector and loved the hunt for rare pieces.
He repaired cars and built model cars, and toy engines.
He also built mini semi-trucks and tinkered with four-wheelers.
Matt cared deeply for his dogs, Charlie and Sammy.
He built dog houses for them with his own hands.
Family members say he often thought more about his dogs’ comfort than his own.
Hard Work at Arctic Cat
Matt was known as an exceptionally hard worker.
He spent many years at Arctic Cat in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.
He worked there from May 2005 until November 3, 2025.
More about the company’s work can be found on the Arctic Cat website.
Co-workers remember Matt as steady and reliable.
When days were tough, he kept going.
They say he stayed loyal to his team and his family.
He remained faithful to both until he was called home on November 18, 2025.
Those Who Went Before Him
Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Richard and Avangeline Lewis.
He was also preceded in death by his sister, Mary Ash.
Family members take comfort in the belief that they are now reunited.
Service and Burial Plans
Funeral services for Matthew Paul Lewis will be held on Wednesday, November 26, 2025, at noon.
Services will take place at the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Bemidji, Minnesota.
Information about the Seventh-day Adventist faith is available from the world church website.
Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church.
Friends and family will gather to share stories and memories.
Interment will follow at Winger Cemetery in Winger, Minnesota.
Details on local cemetery practices can be found through the National Funeral Directors Association.
Matt’s family invites all who knew him to remember his steady work, his love of building, and his quiet care.
A kind word to a co-worker or time spent helping a family member fix a car would honor his memory.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.
