Alan Lee “Bud” Matus 

Jan 10, 1951 - June 11, 2026

Al “Bud” Matus suffered a stroke on June 2 and died June 11 at his home in Zimmerman, Minnesota. Al was born to Lucille and Joseph Matus in Weyerhaeuser, Wisconsin, and graduated from the Weyerhaeuser School District in 1969. He attended River Falls State University for a year, where he would have told you his degree was in "partying." In the early 1970s, Al’s love of fun and adventure took him out West. He worked on pipelines, operated heavy machinery, and enjoyed spending time outdoors. In 1981, Al married Fay Barker and became stepdad to Andrea Barker. They moved back to Wisconsin to operate the family dairy farm until health complications called for a lifestyle change. He went on to work for Johnson Truck Bodies before retiring.

In his youth, Al was an adventurer at heart. He took flying lessons, rode a Harley, and spent hours on the ski slopes. If he had the opportunity to go fishing, he took it, and he proudly displayed a whole wall of story-worthy trophy game. Al was always up for a good time, and since he got along with practically everybody, that was a rather easy thing to do. He was jovial, personable, and easy to love. 

In 2003, Al met Jane Bores, who became his lifelong companion. Together they built a life rooted in the partnership of travel, family, and work. Through Jane’s photography business, they spent nearly two decades photographing hundreds - if not thousands - of high school seniors, weddings, and families. They built a life capturing moments, but no moments compared to those most visible at home with their grandchildren. Al adored them, and he loved chasing them around, playing “snapping turtle,” and making them laugh endlessly.

In July 2018, a stroke left Al with global aphasia, taking away his ability to speak and understand language. It brought many challenges and changes to their lives, including mini notepads spread throughout every room of the house to help communicate a few words at a time. Not surprisingly, to those who truly knew Al, it never took away his ability to laugh - or swear, for that matter - and Al became an expert at giving a thumbs-up to let everyone know he was okay. He never ceased to find joy in the simple pleasures of life. During the summer, you could find him on the deck overlooking the wildlife on the lake, basking in the sun while he watched the birds at the feeder he faithfully filled. In the winter, he’d have the little fireplace in the sunroom blazing. He loved pastries and sweet treats, drowning them down with a big glass of milk, and he happily passed the time with reruns of his favorite westerns. 

After Al’s last stroke on June 2, the family was blessed to share in these simple joys during his final week of hospice care at home. Al was able to soak in the sun, enjoy the taste of a cold beer, and do his best to scare the squirrels from the bird feeder. When he passed, he was surrounded by people who loved him and will miss him dearly.

Al believed the little things mattered. He found joy in taking care of the people he loved, often anticipating their needs before they ever had to ask. His generosity wasn't loud or showy - it was found in garden projects, favorite meals, thoughtful gestures, and the quiet reassurance that someone was always looking out for you. Those who knew him best will remember that more than anything else.

Al was survived by Jane Bores, with whom he shared 23 wonderful years and her daughters whom adored him: Jessica (Cory) Rudnitski, Stacey (Paul) Neumann, and Danielle (Cameron) Carson. He was Grandpa/Papa to Samantha, Matalin, Adam, Oliver, Ellis, Grayden, Isla, and Josephine, and Great Grandpa to Hazel, Lilian, and Theodore. He also left sister Sande (Gary) Herrmann, nephew Chadd Herrmann, step daughter Andrea, and granddaughters Gitana to whom he was “Bacca” and Elena. He left a legacy of love.

A celebration of life will be held at Gilligan's in Chetek, Wisconsin on August 15 from 12:00 - 4:00.