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Matthew Minor McCaskell

4/28/1989 - 9/3/2026

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Obituary For Matthew Minor McCaskell

Matthew M. McCaskell

April 28, 1989 - September 3, 2026

Matthew M. McCaskell, aged 37, a lifelong Black Hills resident, passed away on September 3, 2026, after a battle with stomach cancer. His mother and father were blessed to be present at the time of his death. His brother and best friend, Michael, was able to speak with Matthew by telephone. Matt’s last words to his brother were “see you later,” not “goodbye.”

Matthew was born April 28, 1989, in Guatemala and adopted into the McCaskell family on December 7, 1990.

Matthew grew up at High Country Guest Ranch and began working at age 10. His job, along with his friend Jonathon Dusing, was stripping the beds and driving the old red station wagon loaded with linens to the laundry.

Horses were a huge part of Matt’s life. He began as an assistant wrangler at age 12. By 14, he was leading trail rides for literally thousands of guests. During his high school years, he also helped with construction on many of the cabins at the ranch.

His father once asked him, “What would you like to be when you grow up?” Without hesitation, his answer was, “I don’t want to grow up, I like being a kid.” He carried this attitude into adulthood. Matthew loved life and did everything he could to preserve it until the end.

Matthew graduated from BHSU with a BA in Communications in 2017. During COVID, he came back up to the ranch to help his dad and to build a cabin of his own — Western Sky Cabin. In 2022, he set up his own business, Western Sky Vacation Homes LLC, and managed vacation home rentals.

Matthew was an active member of the Hill City community. He coached youth soccer and flag football. He also supported the Club for Boys’ Hooked on Hardwater, a fishing event for kids and pros held at Deerfield Lake every February.

He was loved by family and friends, and many of the guests who stayed at the cabins he managed became his friends. He always had a positive attitude, a big smile, and a friendly greeting for everyone he met.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Larry McCaskell (Julie Gard) and Bonnie McCaskell, his brother Mike McCaskell, and dear friend, Aaron Webb. He is also survived by his aunts and uncles: Deanna (Dennis) Weaver, Tea, SD; Blair (Mindy) McCaskell, Custer, SD; Scott (Sharla) McCaskell, Rapid City, SD; Gene Sauder, Bryant, SD; Jerry (Stephanie) Sauder, Bryant, SD; JoAnn Sauder, Bryant, SD; Jill (Tony) Opdahl, Hazel, SD; and 12 first cousins. He is preceded in death by his grandparents: Thomas and Lola McCaskell, Rapid City, SD and Harold and Dorothy Sauder, Bryant, SD; Daniel McCaskell (deceased); and Leanne Sauder (deceased.)

A very special thank you to the staff at Monument Hospital Oncology, 6th floor, especially to Penny and Sarika, and to Monument Home Health. Bonnie, Larry, and Michael would like to thank you all for the compassionate care you gave Matthew.

An outdoor memorial service will be held October 11, 2026, at 11:00 am, Mickelson Trail Lodge, 12165 Ray Smith Drive, Hill City, SD 57745.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Club for Boys or Hill City Youth Soccer.

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Condolences

  • 10/01/2026

    Tracy Spaans

    Matt was good friend and I will miss him dearly. He was always positive, smiling and a shining light to this community. I was blessed to coach alongside him in youth sports. Even though he had no kids of his own, he dedicated many hours to coaching youth sports, season after season. I'll miss seeing his smile at the practice fields.

  • 09/18/2026

    Cherie Trautwein

    So sorry to hear of Matt's passing. The girls from Lingle, Wyoming were always welcomed by his friendly smile. We rented a cabin every year from his family, he always made sure we had everything we needed. We really enjoyed our visits with him and often fed him some great food. It won't be the same without his smiling face to greet us as we arrive next year. Just know he was a sweet and great person. God got a Good one in Matt♥️

  • 09/15/2026

    Jen Neubert

    I'm so sorry for your loss McCaskell family. Matt was always such a bright light. Smiling and joking around. My mother, who recently also passed adored him. She worked at Krull's Market and knew all the "good" kids, and he was certainly one she mentioned often! The community will miss him greatly!

  • 09/15/2026

    Cori Schmidt

    He was simply the best. He was always happy and so full of life. He may not have had children of his own but had a coaches heart. He poured his time, patience, encouragement into all of them. He made such a impact on not only my kids but so many. He was one of the best and will never be forgotten. I asked him once why he gave his time he said Cori because I can coach them all and at the end of the night send them home. He will be deeply missed by the HCYA community.

  • 09/15/2026

    Carol Lucus

    What started as two teenagers, many miles and a state apart, discovering social media ignited a very special friendship and bond between two families who would have otherwise remained strangers. Bonnie, Larry...and especially Matt will forever be in our hearts...the memories, the generous love and kindness are forever locked away. Matt introduced my children, now adults, the love and admiration of Christian music...years of attending Hills Alive and experiencing his passion and enthusiasm for the artists and music fueled my family's journey into this powerful genre!! We love each of you and are so thankful God brought our families together ♥️ We will all join Matt one day and we'll continue our singing and dancing together in Heaven ♥️ All my love and prayers, Carol (Amanda, Caden, Christian and Maddie)

  • 09/15/2026

    Allen Kirkham

    Jill and I are sad to see this news of Matt's passing. We had the pleasure of working with him at High Country Ranch starting in 2013. He was the kindest, hardest working young man with so much energy and showing Christ in how he treated everyone on the ranch. We know he suffered much pain in these last years. His pain is over now. - Allen Kirkham

  • 09/15/2026

    Marcia (Prouty) Goodwin

    So sorry to find out about this today. My condolences to all the family!

  • 09/14/2026

    Jan Johnson

    We've known Matt since he was 4 years old. So glad to have spent so many good times with him at the broomball pond - he was an amazing player, incredibly fast on the ice! An even better friend, always a big smile and hug. I believe he wound up with Steve's Carhart 😊 We sure miss him. - Much Love, Jan,Steve and the boys.

  • 09/14/2026

    Tiffany Wager

    Hey this is Tiffany wager I used to date Matt for like a year and a half or so you should remember me having a redhead that used to work for you as well when I had that Chevy and pick up and we'd sit outside River engines together see who had the louder vehicle I am so sorry for your loss he never told me he had stomach cancer I'm just really sorry and hope that everything can work out better for you guys I'm just glad that he's not suffering from cancer anymore cuz I know cancer is a terrible thing.

  • 09/14/2026

    Lisa Dominguez

    I went to EWC with Matthew in 2009/2010. He was a lot of fun to be around. He always seemed to be a magnet that drew people in. Unfortunately, we lost touch over the years but he will always hold a special place in my life.

  • 09/14/2026

    Molly Moore

    I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Matt. We used to work out together at Evolve, and he was always quick to offer a big smile and encouragement, even when the workout was brutal. He brought so much joy to our whole class. Sending my love to his family — he was truly one of a kind. In sympathy, Molly Moore

  • 09/14/2026

    Amy anderson

    I remember first meeting you. I asked you to take me somewhere to drink and you told me how long you been sober. I was kinda disapointed but ..now im hitting my first year sober and just know i can continue with my sobriety like you did..i know we weren't close but I still consider you my step brother and you looked really missed. Love you Matt

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