Delbert "Del" Charles Matthew, Jr.

Delbert Charles Matthews, Jr., “Beshkwe” (Nighthawk) of Bena, MN, He was born October 2nd1971, to Delbert and Shirley Matthews.  He passed away peacefully at home January 19, 2026, surrounded by his family.

Del was an avid hunter and fisherman who found happiness in the outdoors. Del was a skilled cribbage player (Champ) if you weren’t taking your points he would and if you weren’t watching he would try fast pegging you.

He wrestled throughout his school years, traveling to tournaments with his dad, Diddy.  Del was a state champion wrestler for Cass Lake-Bena High School, an accomplishment he carried with pride.  His strength, determination and competitiveness were evident on and off the mat and remained a defining part of who he was.

Anywhere he went he either knew people or was making new friends.  Del worked for Leech Lake Constituents Services.  Throughout the years, he also worked for Leech Lake Housing, Johnson’s Lumber Mill and many other construction companies and jobs, making friends everywhere.

He was known for talking in his Donald Duck voice and his contagious sense of humor.  Del will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who knew and loved him.

Del is survived by his significant other, Diane Thompson, his children; Tony Stangel, Mikerra Matthews, Ciara Matthews, and Danielle Tibbetts, his sisters; Denise Campbell Matthews, Rhonda Michaud, Janie Armstrong, and his sister by choice, Sharon Grauman, and his beloved niece, Noma Stangel, whom he helped raise, grandchildren Aliyana and Carter Hardy, Carsyn and Mindy Stangel, and several nieces and nephews

He is proceeded in death by his parents, Delbert and Shirley Matthews; son, Brady Matthews, his brothers; Troy and Tommy Matthews, sister; Joy Matthews, and his nephew, Casey Matthews whom he also helped raise.

An overnight wake for Del will begin on Friday January 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.  and continue until his 10:00 a.m. traditional service all to be held at the Dave Morgan Community Center in Bena, MN.  Officiating his service will be Anton Treuer.  Those helping to lay Del to rest are Troy Finn, Josh Thompson, Tony Stangel, Cory Kuck, Mason Pemberton, and Gilberto Robinson.  His honorary pallbearers all who knew and loved Del.   

Del’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. online condolences may be left for the family at www.northernpeace.com

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