Matthew August Ettl was born January 19, 1924 near Lakota, the son of Josef and Josephine (Retzlaff) Ettl. He was raised on his parents farm and attended school in Lakota, graduating Lakota High School in 1942. Matthew enlisted in the US Navy on May 24, 1944. He served his country during World War II and was honorably discharged on May 23, 1946. He returned home to farm his parents homestead. Matthew married Jacqueline J. Swanke on September 18, 1948 at Lakota Lutheran Church. In 1953 they purchased their own farmstead northwest of Lakota, where they raised their 3 children together. Throughout the years Matt was a member of many organizations, including the Elks Club, he was a past Lakota Township Assessor, and was a member of the American Legion for over 60 years. He retired from farming in 1989, and they moved into Lakota in 1992. Matt loved to farm and the farming lifestyle. He continued this love during retirement in his vegetable and flower gardens. He was a hard working man and had set high standards, which he lived up to.

Matt will be deeply missed by his wife, Jackie Ettl of Lakota, ND; 3 children, Sandra (Dennis) Fitterer of Mandan, ND, David (Sara) Ettl of Yakima, WA, and Alvin (Rose Stoller) Ettl of Bismarck, ND; 4 grandchildren, Lance of Graham, WA, Sarah and Dacotah of Silverdale, WA, and Matthew of Riga, Latvia; 2 brothers, Fred Ettl of Bemidji, MN, and Albert Siegel of Grand Rapids, MI; 2 sisters, Josephine Williamson of Benton Harbor, MI, and Erma Kramer of Williamsville, NY; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 brothers, and 4 sisters.

The Memorial Service for Matthew will be held at the Lakota Lutheran Church of Lakota, ND, on Friday, January 18, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Joel Westby. The organist will be Karen Fowler and the soloist will be Jason Flom. Military Honors will be conducted by the Rundell-Holicky American Legion Post #21 of Lakota. Interment will be in the ND State Veterans Cemetery at Mandan, ND, on Tuesday, January 22, 2008 at 11:00 a.m.