August 30, 1928 --- July 30, 2021 "92"

Louis C. Matesich passed away July 30, 2021, at the Southwest Montana Veterans Home. Louis began his life journey in Potok, Slovania, born to Dragutin Charles and Josephine (Trempus) Matesich. Following his father's overseas travels and employment in Butte, Louis, at the age of 1, and his mother traveled to United States where his sister Ann was born a short time later.

Louis epitomized the work ethic of an immigrant. He spent his childhood hunting and gathering food for his family. As an adult he enlisted and proudly served his country in the Army, Air Force, and Naval Reserves. After serving his country, he worked as a Teamster in commercial trucking, construction, and appliance repair. His last two employers as a serviceman were Sears and Ossello's.

Shortly before the death of his best friend Cliff Morris in 1963, he made a commitment to care and provide for Cliff's wife (Bettie) and his three young children – Skip, Kathy, and Randy. Following Cliff's passing, he took on the new role as their "Dad." Lou flourished in this role as his life working with his hands made him ready to act as the family handyman fixing everything that the kids broke.

Throughout his life, he was known by many names – Louis, "Loyse" (derived from his Slovene name of Alojzije), and Lou. The name that was his favorite and that he wore best, though, was Pi. He accepted his greatest challenge and joy when he became a grandfather. Although he had chosen to be called "Oompa," this was shortened to "Pi" when his toddler grandson was so upset leaving his "pa" that he cried "byePi, Pi, Pi, Pi" for hours. Forever after, he would be known by all simply as Pi.

Pi would spend the next 45 years attending dance recitals, baseball, football, track, and every imaginable school activity as the grandkids' official photographer. He would also proudly attend each of his five grandchildrens' graduation from college. As the grandchildren aged and became parents themselves, Pi remained Pi to his seven great-grandchildren.

Pi was preceded in death by his parents, sister Ann Matesich, and close family friend Paulette Merzlak. He leaves behind his wife, Bettie Walsh Morris Matesich, sons: Skip (Diana) Morris; Randy (Emily) Morris; daughter Kathy Morris; grandchildren Josh (Erika), Mindy Morris (Christopher Daniel), Matt (Abby) Morris, Megan Morris, and Mick Morris; and great-grandchildren Braden, Caleb, Kane, Rory, Coy, Ridge, and Rolly Morris. Pi will be sadly missed at "hunting camp" but is joyously reunited with the hunters waiting for him with his favorite beverage – Bombay & tonic.

The family is grateful for the outstanding care provided to Pi at Copper Ridge Health and Rehab, and he was honored to be a resident at the Southwest Montana Veteran's Home. The family would also like to thank Dr. Kirwan Webb and the staff at Express Care for the personalized care during his many visits.

Donations may be made to the United Veterans Council or the Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutic at cureangelman.org