Michael James Matthews

Michael James Matthews age 41 of Grafton, ND and formerly of Devils Lake and Wishek passed away on Thursday, January 29, 2015 in Grafton, ND. Michael James Matthews was born August 9, 1973 in Wishek, ND the son of Lyle and Pam (Dollinger) Matthews. He grew up and attended school in Wishek, graduating from Wishek High School in 1992. Following his education he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp, serving four years in Okinawa Japan. Following his discharge he enlisted in the North Dakota National Guard, serving in Devils Lake, ND until a car accident forced him to retire in 2010. He returned to Wishek for a time. Michael was united in marriage to Ericka Pagnac on September 5, 2014 at University Lutheran Church of Grand Forks, ND. The couple moved to Grafton where they have lived since. Michael is survived by his wife Ericka, Grafton, ND son, Braden, Grafton, ND; daughter, Rayna Matthews, Colorado Springs, CO; step-son Evan Jahner, Chandler, AZ; his parents, Lyle and Pam Matthews, Devils Lake, ND; brothers: Chad (Leslie) Matthews, Fargo, ND; Jeff (Molly) Matthews, Grand Forks, ND, his father and mother in law, Ken and Nancy Pagnac, Grand Forks, ND. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents.