*The family sees the love and support of the community through the generous amount of flowers that have already been ordered.  If you are considering honoring Portia in this way, rather please consider donations to Furry Friends Rockin Rescue, in memory of Portia and her love of animals. 

Portia Elbie Matthiesen, 21, of Mandan, passed away February 8, 2026, due to injuries sustained in a automobile accident.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Evangel, Main Auditorium, 3225 N. 14th St., Bismarck.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friday at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway, Bismarck, with a prayer service and time for sharing memories beginning at 7:00 p.m.

Burial will take place at Fairview Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026.

Portia was born September 4, 2004, to Troy Matthiesen and Jessica (Schlosser) Wright in Bismarck. She was welcomed by her two excited brothers, Brodey and Parker, who couldn’t have been happier to have a little sister to kiss on constantly. As they grew older, the boys couldn’t get Portia to leave them alone as she wanted to be just like them. Portia was her mom’s built-in best friend and confidant, and Portia had her dad wrapped around her little finger from the first time he laid eyes on her. She was raised and educated in Mandan, attending St. Joseph’s Grade School, Mandan Middle School, and Mandan High School, where she graduated with the Class of 2023. Portia loved playing soccer before she was even old enough to be in lessons. From preschool through high school, she excelled and loved the game and the competition.

Portia held several serving jobs throughout high school. It was at Jack’s Steakhouse that she met the love of her life, Seth Boyko. Seth and a friend stopped by Jack’s Steakhouse and spotted Portia. He knew he had to know her, and the two friends thought of a way to get her attention. Their strategy worked, because Portia and Seth began talking and quickly became inseparable. Shortly after Portia graduated from high school, she moved to Minot to be with Seth. She loved flying with Seth and fueling all of the crop planes for his crop-spraying job and was always up for a quick last-minute adventure, but also enjoyed the peace of nature. As they were working on building their home on the farm, Portia wrote scripture readings all throughout the house as reminder that their relationship was rooted in faith and love. Portia was looking forward to life on the farm and having all kinds of animals, especially chickens.

Portia obtained her business degree from Bismarck State College and was already thinking of her next adventure. Portia loved animals, both big and small, and knew she wanted to work with them. She was employed at Bed ’N’ Biscuit Ranch, where she trained and boarded dogs. Her goal was to become a large-animal veterinarian. Earlier this month, she returned from Texas, where she received certification in pregnancy checking cattle, artificial insemination, and ultrasound. She was excited about her goal of starting her own mobile business to put her knowledge to use.

Portia was an entertaining spitfire and lived her life to the fullest. Her bright light, infectious big beautiful smile made everyone feel seen and she could become best buds with anyone. She loved her family deeply and stayed in constant contact with them. She was spontaneous and ready for any adventure that life brought her way. Portia radiated sunshine and her quick wit made for many laughs. Needless to say, Portia was the life of the party and she knew it! She will be forever loved and deeply missed by all who knew her.

Portia is survived by her parents, Troy (Laci) Matthiesen and Jessica (Brian) Wright, Mandan; siblings Brodey Matthiesen of Mandan, Parker (Alonna) Matthiesen of Mandan, and Paige Weiss of Mandan; Seth Boyko of Ruso, ND; paternal grandparents LaVonne (Frank) Jangula and Laurie (Dan) Baker; maternal grandparents Gloria (Leland) Schlosser, Doreen Hutchins, and Gary (Kathy) Wright; aunts and uncles, Todd (Marlys) Matthiesen, Deedee (Jason) Friesz, Dustin (Brittany) Baker, Brad (Mandy) Fleck, Ronda (Korey) Assel, Troy (Carrie) Schlosser, Dawn (Patrick) Brunelle, and Leah Bender (Jeremy Engelhardt); many Wright aunts and uncles; and many cousins, extended family, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Robert Matthiesen. As well as great-grandparents, Jack (Rose) Schlosser, Jacob (Eleanor) Freidt, Elbie (Herb) Matthiesen, and Ted (Clara) Gerhardt, all of Mandan.