Matt Bedney, known by many as a dreamer; pushed those around him to dream even bigger. He left the world the morning of April 9, 2026. The loss of the love of his life left a place in his heart nothing could fill. He persevered through many years despite the loss of his soulmate and debilitating chronic pain and depression.

He was born on October 6th of 1950 in Hope, Minnesota to Thomas and Bette Bedney. Just like his wife he grew up on the family farm with his five siblings, Bette Lou, Dick, Harry, Tom and Pat. After graduating high school, he went into the Navy but was honorably discharged due to a previous injury. Shortly after, during a fate filled wedding he locked eyes with the woman he would spend the rest of his life with, Les Doyen. They were married on May 27, 1975, and have been for fifty years. Matt took great pleasure in working hand in hand with his wife. They spent many of their early years driving team across the country in an over the road semi-truck. Matt and Les, together owned and operated two body shops one in Minnesota and one in South Dakota. While in New Ulm, MN Les gave birth to two beautiful children Marie and Eric. Matt took great pride in his craftsmanship as a body man and teaching his children the value of quality work. In 1986, they moved to Sturgis, South Dakota. Matt worked at the Port of Entry and later drove semi-truck over the road. He decided that being closer to home to see his kids grow up was important, so he took a local job as a mechanic and hauling sod. Tragically, due to a faulty telephone line, he was struck by lightning in the summer of 1995. He was fully disabled by January of 1996. The family became one not just to support each other, but for survival. This closeness continued into the next generation. He was given the gift of being a grandpa by both of his children with Marie having Shyanne age 22 and Gabe age 16 and Eric having Elizabeth age 7 and Robert age 4. He shared many things with them including his love of mechanics, sense of humor and his taste in music.

The greatest gift he gave his family was the love of the wind in your hair and two wheels under your feet. Riding motorcycle through the Black Hills of SD was one of both Matt and Les’s favorite things to do as a family. He may have been stubborn, but he pushed us all to be better versions of ourselves. He will be missed dearly, but his love will always carry on.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.