A Celebration of Life Service to honor the life and legacy of Luke Mathias age 66, of Jackson, will be held Friday, January 23rd at 10:30 AM at Our Saviors Lutheran Church in Jackson.

A visitation for Luke will be held on Thursday, January 22nd from 4 – 6 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Jackson. Visitation will continue on Friday at the church for one hour prior to the service.

The service will be livestreamed on the Our Savior's Lutheran Church Facebook page.

Luke Gerard Mathias was born on July 29, 1959, in Heron Lake, Minnesota, to John and Anna Marie (McNab) Mathias. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake. He received his education at Heron Lake High School, graduating in the Class of 1978. Following high school, Luke enlisted in the South Dakota National Guard with his friends and cousins until his honorable discharge in October of 1983. He later continued his education at Jackson Vocational–Technical College.

On August 20, 1983, Luke married the love of his life and best friend, Debra Kirsch at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Heron Lake. This union was blessed with two children, Dylan and Alison.

Luke began his working career at the elevator in Heron Lake and transitioned into a maintenance technician that allowed him to live and work throughout the area. Over the years, he made his home in Heron Lake, Starbuck, and Jackson.

Luke loved spending time with his children and his grandchildren. He enjoyed deer hunting and ice fishing with family, especially with his brothers, son, nephews, and friends. Luke was also quite the softball player and took pride in yard work, particularly mowing the lawn and tinkering in the garage.

Anyone who knew Luke knew he was a helper, always willing to lend a hand. He was also a warrior, never stopping his fight through health challenges and always remaining positive and strong. Luke was an active member of the Heron Lake Young Men's Club, an organization that held a very special place in his heart.

Luke passed away peacefully on Monday, January 19th, 2026, at his home in Jackson surrounded by his family and listening to Elvis.

Left to cherish Luke's everlasting memory are his wife, Debra Mathias; his children, Dylan (Danielle) Mathias, Alison (Greg Olson) Mathias; his three grandchildren, Kori Olson-Mathias, Stella Olson-Mathias, Twila Mathias; his sisters, Jeanne Bauman, Connie (Melvin) Reith, Lynn (John) Wilson, Suzanne (Brad) Iverson, Judy (Lee) Anderson, Barb (Steve) Hussong, Jen (Todd) Hendrickson, Carol (Perry) Cranston; his brothers, Bob (Mary) Mathias, Kevin (Julie) Mathias; his parents-in-law, and Twila (Milt) Lauck; his sisters-in-law, Cindy (Matt) Olson, Barb (Ron) Koch, Becky Fallenstein; his brother-in-law, Barry (Jane) Kirsch; many nieces and nephews, as well as cherished friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Anna Marie Mathias; his brothers, Bill Mathias, John Mathias, Scott Mathias, Bede Mathias; his parent-in-law, Robert Kirsch; his brothers-in-law, Brian Kirsch, Bobby Kirsch; his nephews, Josh Wilson and Brian Mathias.

To honor Luke's legacy, the family requests that you pay it forward by doing a good deed, helping your neighbors, or saying a kind word.