October 9, 1992 – February 13, 2025
Funeral services for Matthew Allen Hotzler Jr., 32, of Timber Lake and formerly of Clear Lake were held Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the New Hope Church in Timber Lake. Inurnment was at the Kraft Family Cemetery at Timber Lake. Kesling Funeral Home of Mobridge was in charge of arrangements.
Born October 9, 1992 in Mobridge, Matthew was the second of four children of Matthew and Angella (Kraft) Hotzler. He spent his early years in Timber Lake before his family moved to St. Joseph, MO, Maple Grove, MN, and then Clear Lake. 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 in Watertown, specializing in welding, precision machining, and airplane mechanics.
He eventually returned to his roots in Timber Lake, where he worked for AirKraft 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 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 with Legos, board games, cards, action figures, and playing with the kids.
Working at AirKraft 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. 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. He was a source of joy, comfort, and stability for Matthew.
Left to celebrate Matt’s life are his parents, Matt and Angie Hotzler; sisters Taylor and Elise; 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 (Baylee) Kraft, 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.
(Family addresses are Matt and Angie Hotzler, 901 7th St. W., Clear Lake, SD 57226 and Jake and Jodi Kraft, PO Box 71, Timber Lake, SD 57656.)