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October 9, 1992 – February 13, 2025
Funeral services for Matthew Hotzler Jr., 32, of Timber Lake formerly of Clear Lake will be at 1 PM, MT, Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the New Hope Church in Timber Lake. Inurnment will be at the Kraft Family Cemetery. Matthew passed away Thursday, February 13, 2025. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge is in charge of arrangements. Services will be livestreamed on the Kesling Funeral Home Facebook page.
It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Matthew Allen Hotzler Jr. on February 13, 2025, at the age of 32. Matthew was the second of four children, born on October 9, 1992, in Mobridge, SD, to Matthew and Angella (Kraft) Hotzler. He spent his early
years in Timber Lake, SD, before his family moved to St. Joseph, MO, Maple Grove, MN, and then Clear Lake, SD. Matthew graduated as salutatorian from Deuel High School in 2011, where he was an active member of many clubs and sports teams.
After high school, Matthew received three degrees at Lake Area Technical Institute, specializing in welding, precision machining, and airplane mechanics. He eventually returned to his roots in Timber Lake, where he worked for Air Kraft Spraying as part of the ground crew, fixing planes,
assisting with farming, and tackling various other jobs. Matthew found great joy in the Timber Lake community and the wide-open spaces of West River, a place where he and his loyal companion, Bud, felt right at home.
Matthew’s humble, easy-going nature made him a joy to be around. As a child, if he knew your name, you were considered a friend. As an adult, his circle of close friends may have been smaller, but he remained a true and generous friend to anyone who wanted to be. His wit and
humor, often with a clever twist, could leave people with a good belly laugh. His own light-hearted chuckle, with a little bounce in his shoulders, was a reminder of his Grandpa Jack.
From a young age, Matthew developed a passion for reading and later, movies. His quick wit often included movie quotes woven into conversation, and he was always a fun road trip companion. His love of history and current events sparked deep conversations, and the miles
would fly by as he shared his knowledge and curiosity. A practical man, Matthew never understood why people didn’t wear long underwear or carry a pocket knife.
Matthew was always ready to lend a helping hand. Whether assisting his Grandma Linda with technology questions or jumping in to tackle any project, Matthew took pride in a job well done. He had an inquisitive mind and could figure out anything that piqued his curiosity.
Matthew loved his family dearly—his parents, siblings, cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. His cousins were not just family—they were his first and best friends. They spent countless hours together, and he cherished every moment spent together.
He had a soft spot for children, from his younger sister and brother to his cousins’ children. He spent countless hours playing with Legos, board games, cards, action figures, and playing with the kids.
Working at Air Kraft Spraying was not just a job for Matthew; it was a family affair, and he was grateful to be part of such a supportive and close-knit team. Matthew’s loyal companion, Bud, was a $50 lab mix with oversized ears, a lovable dog who lived up to his name in every way. Matthew decided to name him “Bud” because he knew that’s what he would call him most of the time anyway. Bud was much more than just a pet; he was Matthew’s constant companion. Whether it was a workday or free time, the two spent nearly every moment together. Bud loved riding in the car, and they often enjoyed long walks in the park. Beyond being a best friend, Bud was a source of joy, comfort, and stability for Matthew.
Left to celebrate his life are his parents, Matt and Angie Hotzler; his sisters, Taylor and Elise; his brother, Jared; grandmothers, Linda Kraft and Nancy Hotzler; uncle, Jake Kraft (Jodi); uncle, Mark Hotzler (Cheryl Evenmo); aunt, Tausha Kraft (Guthrie Ducheneaux); and cousins Cody
(Morgan) Kraft, Tanner (Sierra) Kraft and children, Douglas and Reagan, Tucker Kraft (Baylee), Isaac Kraft, Hank Kraft, Shay Kraft, Cecelia Hotzler (Gavin Taggart), Myles Hotzler, Eleanor Hotzler (Tommy Selander) and son Soren, and Sophia Hotzler (Isaac Rohr).
Matthew was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Jack Kraft and Duke Hotzler, and uncles, Doug Kraft and Greg Hotzler.
Matthew made a lasting impact on all who knew him. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered for his kindness, sense of humor, and unwavering love for his family.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Kesling Funeral Home.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Matthew Hotzler Jr., please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
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