Richard "Dick" A Matsko

Dick Matsko, named Richard by his loving parents Anna and Emery Matsko, passed away Sunday morning, Feb 26, 2023, at Peace Hospice in Great Falls, Montana.  Dick’s three sons Mark, Don, and Curt were all together with their father to express love and thanks hours before.  The fourth son, Mitch, whom Dick appreciated because he shared his skills in carpentry and working with his hands, preceded his’s father’s death years earlier.

Dick’s loving wife of more than 30 years Beverly Mills, whom anyone who spoke to him for more than 5 minutes knew was the love of his life, survives him and was his strength in the final years emotionally and spiritually. Dick and Bev met in childhood, but it took the rumbles and tumbles of life to bring them together again in the 80s, and their love and support of each other was known by all.Dick was born and raised in Great Falls, Montana, with his older brother Emery and younger brother David. Dick enjoyed a rewarding career as the owner of Matsko Construction.  He was a fantastic carpenter and was recognized for his meticulous craftsmanship.  Dick enjoyed cars, woodworking, and getting into a bit of trouble. He was a good athlete and scored a hole-in-one at the Kalispel Golf and Country Club.  Emery passed away a few years ago after an adventurous life, and both are survived by their younger brother David. David and Dick enjoyed attending CM Russell High School athletic events and discussing the Dallas Cowboys.  Before fax machines became obsolete, Dick received daily faxes providing news coverage about ‘America’s Team.’  David was a consistent force of love and caring and visited his older brother every week for the final decades, yes decades, of Dick’s life.  

As messages came in on Sunday from around the country, patterns emerged about what others remembered most about Dick. All knew he loved his wife, his corn which he shared with family and friends, his Labrador Retrievers, and the home he built on the bank of the slow-moving Sun River. Dick’s smile and infectious laugh, the famous booming raucous laugh of joy that filled small and large rooms alike, is something everyone who knew him will never forget. Emery had it, and Dick had it. And, when anyone heard it, they knew there was a Matsko in the building and that Dick’s smile and wit were adding more happiness to the world. 

The good news is that Dick’s joy and laughter continue to echo in the hearts of many, including his grandchildren Kellee, Karen, Robin, and Taylor.  He loved his grandchildren.  Special love also goes out to Bev’s children, Mike, Scott, and Bob, for years of love and support, for which Dick and all were so grateful.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for gifts of smiles and kindness to those we meet each day, especially those who fight physical and emotional battles. And, if you can, next time you hear a group of people in the midst of genuine laughter and joy, think of Dick and remember the happiness with which he blessed us all.

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