James J. Matter

James Joseph Matter age 91, of Callaway, MN passed away peacefully at Pelican Landing surrounded by his family on Monday, February 9, 2026. He was one of seven children born to the late Alfred and Ruth (Frantz) Matter.

Family will greet friends from 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Thursday, February 12, followed by a prayer service at 7:00pm at David-Donehower funeral home in Detroit Lakes. A funeral service will be held at Holy Rosary Catholic Church at 12:00pm on Friday, February 13, with a visitation one hour prior to the service at the church. Jim will be laid to rest at Saint Mary’s Cemetery of Callaway at a later date.

Jim was born on April 15, 1934, at his family farm in Callaway MN. He graduated from Detroit Lakes high school in 1952. After graduation, he joined the Army where he proudly served his country stationed in Alaska as a ski patrol during the Korean War. On January 12, 1958, Jim married the love of his life Betty Lou (Auren) Matter and together they raised seven children.

Jim was well known in his community. He was a farmer for 50+ years. He participated in the Communicating for Agriculture Exchange Program for over 25 years working with the young adults from many different countries. They shared cultural and agricultural methods while gaining lifelong friendships. Jim & Betty also owned and operated a grocery store in Callaway for over 10 years. He is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and was also a member of various boards, including the Becker County Fair, St. Mary’s Hospital and Bank boards.

When he wasn’t working, he enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling and travel. In retirement, Jim & Betty spent many happy years in South Padre Island, Texas and in Mesa, Arizona. He enjoyed collecting a variety of things, including Minneapolis Moline tractors, whiskey decanters, and Snoopy Peanuts memorabilia. He enjoyed playing cards, especially cribbage. He feels very blessed that he harvested a trophy buck, a non-typical Whitetail deer rated number two in the state of Minnesota.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Betty; children, Joel Matter, Paul Matter, Al (Irma) Matter, Tony (Kim) Matter, James (Terry) Matter, Liz (Kirk) Kandler, Ione Matter; grandchildren Joseph, Alicia, James, Kayla, Kelsey, Karley, Jennifer and AJ, and 24 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Cleo Steffl, and siblings-in-law Marilyn Matter, LaVeta Longtine and Margie Wolfswinkle.

In addition to his parents, Jim was proceeded in death by his grandson Jeremy Matter, siblings Ralph (Joyce) Matter, Jerome (Mary) Matter, Lavonne Jacobson, Aileen (Jack) Melis, Linus Matter and siblings-in-law Leo Steffl, Vernon (Velma) Auren and Yvonne (Howard) Sinth.

Services care of David-Donehower funeral home in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.