Dennis Matucha

A visitation for Dennis Matucha was held on Saturday, April 15, 2023, at 10:30 a.m. at Kotrba- Smith Funeral Home in Gregory, SD, with Earl Michael Boxa officiating.

Kathy Matucha was in charge of registration. Casket bearers were Eric Veskrna, Mike Braun, Curt Braun, Scott Zimbelman, Loris Matucha, and Melvin Vosika. Burial was in the Graceland Cemetery in Burke, SD. Kotrba-Smith Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. Dennis Ray Matucha was born on March 31, 1944, to Frank and Mildred (Chocholousek) Matucha. He grew up east of Gregory on the family farm, the third of six children: Carol (Richard) Shaffer, Melvin (Kathy) Matucha, twins Joyce Soukup and Jean (Al) Pesek, and Donna Walters.

After graduating from Burke High School, he enlisted in the US Navy in February 1964. He was stationed in San Diego, CA, until February 1968. In 1965, he met his future wife, Barb Sengelmann. They were married on October 28, 1966, and lived a short time in San Diego before moving back home to Gregory.

In 1978, Dennis built the house the family still lives in today. Dennis always said he was “a jack of all trades with the skill of none”. He worked for the co-op delivering fuel. He also worked as an electrician and carpenter, along with always being a true farmer and doing what was needed to provide for his family.

In 1977, they welcomed Jody Rae (Mitchell) into the family, and in 1983, they welcomed Jamie Jo (Soles).

Along with their own kids, Dennis and Barb always had extra kids staying at the farm - nieces, nephews, and two grandsons. He took his family fishing, boating, and water skiing. He loved helping raise his nephews Dean and Chris Soukup and grandsons Damian Mitchell and Morgan Soles.

Dennis is survived by his wife Barb of Gregory, SD; daughters Jody and fiance Jesse Tyburec and Jamie and husband Bill Soles; grandsons Damian Mitchell and Morgan Soles; sisters: Carol Shaffer of Gretna, NE, Jean Pesek of Denver, CO, and Joyce Soukup of Rapid City, SD; and several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Mildred Matucha,brother Melvin Matucha, nephew Jesse Matucha, and sister Donna Waters; he will be laid to rest next to their daughter Dawn Rae Matucha.