Russell Charles Matter (1953–2026)

Russell Charles Matter, age 72, passed away peacefully on April 19, 2026 at Heather’s House (HIA Hospice) in Fargo, ND, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born December 29, 1953, in Detroit Lakes, MN, Russ was the second of ten children born to Ralph and Joyce (Flynn) Matter. Growing up on the family farm, he developed a lifelong work ethic, balancing farm chores with a love for football, baseball, and wrestling. A proud 1972 graduate of Audubon High School, Russ went on to earn his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Moorhead State University in 1976.

Russ’s career was defined by his sharp mind and his ability to solve complex problems. After a start at Blue Cross Blue Shield of ND, he moved to Mandan to work for the North Central Data Cooperative (NCDC). It was there that he met the love of his life, Joyce Leier. They were married on October 31, 1980, at St. Anne’s Church in Bismarck, beginning a 46-year journey together and raising two children, Jonathan and Jessica.

For 35 years, Russ served Minnesota school districts through his work at Region 1. He took great pride in using technology to better the lives of students and educators, though he cherished the lifelong friendships he built there most of all.

Russ lived by the mantra “work hard, play hard.” In retirement, he could often be found cruising the Midwest on his beloved Can-Am Spyder with Joyce or volunteering as a Range Safety Officer at the Red River Marksmanship Center. When he wasn’t on the go, he was a fixture in his easy chair, cheering on his favorite teams: the NDSU Bison, Moorhead Spuds, Minnesota Gophers, Vikings, Twins, and UCONN Huskies. Above all, he was his grandchildren’s biggest fan, never missing a chance to cheer them on from the sidelines.

Russ’s legacy of humor and devotion lives on through his wife, Joyce; his son, Jonathan (Chelsey) Matter; his daughter, Jessica (Andrew) Brammer; and his three grandchildren, Adley Matter, Cass Brammer, and Reid Brammer. He is also survived by his brothers, Ralph (Mary), Rich, and Roland (Shannon); his sisters, Kathy (Al) Klindt, Jackie (LeRoy) Vandermay, Gina (Kevin) Hutchison, and Joy (Jon) Stone; along with many beloved nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sisters, Diane Yonga and Mary Matter; his brother-in-law, Dalles Leier; and his parents-in-law, Leonard and Theresa Leier.

Visitation will be Monday, April 27, from 5:00 – 7:00 PM, followed by a prayer service at 7:00 PM, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Visitation will continue Thursday, April 28, from 10:00 - 11:00 AM, followed by the Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM, in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Moorhead, MN.

Interment will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery, Callaway, MN.

In honor of Russ’s passion for sports, the family invites you to wear your favorite team apparel. In keeping with house rules, please note that UND gear is strictly prohibited—in the Matter household, that’s a four-letter word!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Russ’s name to HIA Hospice - Heather’s House, whose care provided great comfort to the family.