Karl “Landis” Matson, 79, of Rapid City, South Dakota, passed away peacefully on July 7, 2026, at The Hospice House in Rapid City, surrounded by his children, Steve and Nicol. He was born on May 17, 1947, in Rapid City to Scott and Betty (Hess) Matson.

Landis was a lifelong resident of Rapid City. He attended South Canyon Elementary, West Junior High, and graduated from Rapid City High School in 1965. He remained closely connected with his classmates, attending monthly Class of ’65 gatherings on the second Tuesday of each month.

From a young age, Landis delivered newspapers for the Rapid City Journal and later worked part-time at Safeway during high school. After graduating, he worked alongside his father at Unit Step Company, then at Old Home Bakery, and later at Rapid City Beauty Supply until his retirement. Never one to sit still, he continued working part-time at Family Fare stocking shelves, then as a delivery driver for Forget Me Not Floral, a role that suited his outgoing personality.

Landis married Kathryn Kemble in 1968, and in 1969 they welcomed their son, Steven. In 1974, he married Lois Napier and became a father to her three children.

Sports were one of Landis’s greatest passions. He especially loved baseball and football and was an avid supporter of the Rapid City Post 22 baseball team, rarely missing a game—home or away. Known for his enthusiastic and vocal presence, it was always clear when Landis was in the stands. While he enjoyed many sports, he was famously outspoken about his dislike of soccer. He was a devoted fan of the New York Yankees and attended many of their games, including the 2000 World Series. Also, an avid Raiders fan, he shared this passion with his son, Steve, through countless conversations about games, players, and statistics.

Above all, Landis cherished his family and friendships. He had a remarkable ability to connect with people and could walk into any room as a stranger and leave with new friends. In recent years, Dave and Diane Hill held a special place in his life, as did his close friend Dick Stone, who shared many games and good times with him. Landis will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Scott and Betty Matson; his brother, Barry Matson; and his former wife and longtime friend, Lois Rezac.

Landis is survived by his son, Steve Matson; his daughter, Nicol (Chris) Langley; and his grandchildren, Nathan Matson, Christopher Langley, Breanna Clauzel, and Matthew Clauzel. He is also survived by his sister, Carol (Don) Heer; his brother, Kenneth Matson; nieces Jill (Damon) Shepherd, Emily Matson, and Rachel (Brian) Dunn; nephew Gary (Gennae) Heer; stepsons Mick (Tammy) Napier and Doug (Janet) Napier; step-grandchildren Angela (Steven), Torri (Justin), Tiphani, April (Seth), and Sara (Josh); and step-great-grandchildren Millie Jo, Makenna, Kira, and Gavin.

A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, July 20, 2026, at Hills View Evangelical Free Church, 13776 Sturgis Road, Piedmont, SD, with Pastor Ron McLaughlin officiating. The service will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception. Inurnment will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery, 1901 Mountain View Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Post 22 Baseball in memory of Karl “Landis” Matson at PO Box 9133, Rapid City, SD 57709 or https://post-22-catch-22.square.site/product/memorial-alumni-donation/72?cs=true&cst=custom.