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MATTHEW NELSON Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for MATTHEW NELSON
larry lee
February 21, 2021
Hey old friend miss you more than you know...hope you got a spot for me up at the bar guess some old friends already made it up to you thinking bout you bro...miss you....
Bob Summers
September 20, 2011
As happens too often I had fallen out of touch with Matt over the last 8 or 9 years. If there is any rhyme, reason, or fairness in our Universe, he is in a wonderful place with his dad, bowling. One of the things I most remember about Matt was the affection and respect in Matt's voice when speaking of his dad, I was lucky enough to meet his dad and you could tell the feelings were shared. So much more floods my mind when thinking of Matt, I am just crushed that I found out so long afterwards. My deepest sympathies to Mrs. Nelson, Mark and Becky. I always remember Matt, his spirit and fun in New Orleans.
Mark Nelson
April 8, 2011
From the Nelson family, thank you for all the kind words and stories. Brought back a lot of good memories for us. If you did not see, there was a nice article about Matt in today's Chicago SunTimes. Link: http://www.suntimes.com/news/obituaries/4716213-418/matt-nelson-42-booked-major-musical-acts.html
Steve Ruehl
April 6, 2011
I didn't know Matt until we were freshmen in college at Western but was
so fortunate to have had met him.Truly one of the most interesting, caring people I've ever met.My deepest sympathy to the Nelson family.Matt I
will open that last Elsinore.
prisca learmann
March 9, 2011
Erin asked that I share some memories. I didn't think I would. It wasn't that I had only bad memories, it's that initially I could remember so few. It seemed crazy since Matt was my first long-term boyfriend. But then I read Mike Dailey's post and some memories and emotions started drifting back.
I remember a mixed tape Matt made for me.
mirror in the bathroom
mexican radio
institutionalized (all I wanted was a Pepsi, and she wouldn't give it to me!)
i melt with you.
I remember his handwriting. I remember the night I met him being so excited when we started holding hands under a pillow watching the movie Shane at Jenny Zold's house. I remember late one night a bunch of us went to Jewel... we weren't drinking or anything (although I'm sure anyone watching us thought we were on drugs). I think the goal for the trip was to buy a star fruit... the funniest thing we could think of. We ran around the store laughing our heads off... Matt, Jenny, Mike Dailey, Pat Troppe, Nora Herold, Matt Carlson, Ken Kand? Lars?... and probably more I can't think of. Could have been that same night. I remember Polo cologne. I remember his bright blue eyes and white-blonde hair. I remember watching the movies Repo Man and Valley Girl and listening to the soundtracks again and again. I remember his parachute pants and going to see the Psychedelic Furs play with Ministry. I remember seeing the Circle Jerks at the Cabaret Metro. I remember Matt not letting me go into the slam dancing circle because I would get hurt but finally letting me in for about 10 seconds while he protected me. I remember hanging out by his locker. I remember dancing and dances. He was electric with energy when he danced. I remember homecoming and prom. I remember him in his yellow Camero. He could make me laugh and cry.
It had probably been 25 years since I'd seen or talked to Matt. The strangest thing for me was seeing that he was 42. Of course I know I'm 43 and I can do the math, but in the picture in my head he is still 17.
Matt, I wish you and your family peace. Thank you for the two years you were a part of my life.
Paul Miller
March 7, 2011
Like an eternal flame memories of Matt will all way`s light up my life.
March 5, 2011
CAROLE MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME ROSE BELL ( NWC FLOWER ROOM VOLUNTEER)
larry lee
March 4, 2011
I had the pleasure of knowing Matt for close to 20 years...In that short amount of time I was fortunate enough to share a lot of laughs and very few sorrows. He was always quick with a joke or a witty reply(sarcasm). He was always very kind and had deeply profound loyalty to the ones he cared about. I will always keep a special place in my mind and heart for him.Mr. Nelson wherever you are I hope you are having a drink and a bowling match with your father and Joe Strummer. My deepest heartfelt condolences go out to the Nelson family and all his friends, the world lost one more of the good ones.
Paul Miller
March 3, 2011
To The Nelson family. Matt was like a brother to me. I wish we had never lost touch. Some of my fondest memories are with Matt. He was a great friend and his memory will live in my heart forever. I love you brother.
Julie Powell
March 2, 2011
My heart breaks for your loss. Matt was one of the kindest, most generous, loving and entertaining friends I have ever had. I spent a lot of time with Matt in my Chicago days. Listening to music, eating great food, laughing our heads off and enjoying each others company! He and Mark even had the pleasure of helping me move out of a penthouse apartment on the fly one Saturday afternoon. Sweet, loving and loyal is how I will always hold Matt in my heart. My prayers are with you, his family and all his friends despite the distance.
Laura Zurek
March 2, 2011
My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the Nelson Family. I had the pleasure of attending both St. Emily's for 8 years with Matt, as well as 4 years at Hersey with him. My memories were always of how he made us all laugh. I specifically remember his "Police" rendition videos that we were able to watch in Yearbook class with Mr. Kozanecki. Even though I haven't seen him since high school, it saddens me to know he is now no longer with us. Please let your wonderful memories of Matt be of some comfort to you at this time of sadness. Please know he will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Laura Zurek
March 2, 2011
My deepest sympathies and condolences go out to the Nelson family. I had the pleasure of attending both St. Emily's for 8 years with Matt, as well as 4 years at Hersey with him. My memories were always of him making us all laugh. I do remember his "videos" and renditions of "The Police" in high school and how we got a chance to watch in our yearbook classes with Mr. Kozanecki. While I haven't seen him since high school ended, it saddens me to think he is now no longer with us. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Please let your wonderful memories of Matt be of some comfort to you at this time of sadness. He will always be remembered!
Beth Gosnell
March 1, 2011
I used to always call him the Punk Rock Savior and he would laugh and shake his head reluctantly...but that's what he was. He introduced so many to the music that he loved and his life was lived with passion. I remember sharing secret shotz at Malos and eating Brie and drinking a great Merlot with Matt. He fueled my writing whether it was music journalism or poetry. I will always think of him whenever I hear Pegboy's "Strong Reaction" or the Cure. Matt was one of the great loves of my life and will always own a piece of my heart.
John Pierson
March 1, 2011
Pick any word from a dictionary. Within one minute I can tie it to Matt Nelson. There isn't a single synapse that shoots in my brain that isn't infected by the memories of my friend.
Baumann Jon
March 1, 2011
My deepest condolences to the Nelson family , Matt and I worked at the Double Door many years ago , and I must say he will be sorely missed.
Matt was the only other guy I know who could recite evry single line of The Blues Brothers, we used to do that for hours.
If there's a better place we go when we depart this world, Matt's is there
take care.
March 1, 2011
Dear Carole and Family,
My family and I were so sorry to hear of Matt's sudden passing. We are thinking of you and praying for you to find peace and strength during this very difficult time. May the support and love of your family and friends lift you up. I still remember Matt coming to visit the Sinnett's when we were kids...I still remember him telling us about getting to be in the movie "Ferris Bueller's Day Off". I always look for him sitting in the background in the classroom scene.
Sincerely, Paula (Dykema) Frisina, daughter of Doug and Diane, friend of Llyle and Nancy, Barbara and Roger and Rozanne.
Michael Dailey
March 1, 2011
I have many great memories of Matt and music and I often think of him when I hear a certain band or song. The first time Matt took me to his home and introduced me to The Ramones is probably the strangest. We were 13 or 14. Matt was always ahead of his time. I remember he turned on the strobe light in his room, showed me his nun-chuk skill and blasted me with The Ramones. I hadn't heard much "punk rock" as a 13 year old and here was this hyper blond haired Matt with his nun-chuks flying, strobe light flashing and Ramones blasting on his record player. I was a little bit nervous, but like The Ramones, Matt grew into one of my favorites of all time. Anyone who went to Hersey knows what I am talking about. I heard he did the strobe light/nun chuk thing a lot - mostly to impress the ladies. And that he could. He was definitely a charmer. I will never forget Matt and the plays we did together. He always made everyone laugh on stage - and off. Matt loved to play pranks on his friends. I remember driving our first cars downtown to The Metro, school dances, and making out with our girlfriends at his house. He inspired me with his confidence, his amazing sense of humor, and ability to love life to the fullest. He was a great guy and will be missed. With deepest sympathy and fond memories,
Lisa Borta
March 1, 2011
Matt brought a heightened sense of exuberance to everything he did; his enthusiasm was infectious. He was the perfect blend of kindness mixed with rebellion and a warped sense of humor. He was a true and loyal friend who made me laugh until my knees caved in. The memories are pouring in, nonstop, with an excellent soundtrack backing them up. Farewell, Gryphon!
Alex Lassandrello
February 28, 2011
I worked with matt for many years and we clicked right away! He always had a comeback for every joke and made me smile with his sayings! What are u wearing? I remember my first day? .. He was a great happy funny man! He had a nickname for everyone and taught me lots about loving life! An American beer and a shot of makers mark! My prayers are with his family and friends!
Patrick Troppe
February 28, 2011
Here's to Matt and all that he gave us.
donna rempas
February 28, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing.
Thoughts and prayers are with his family.
I will always have the best warmest thoughts about Matt. he was always a true friend who will never be forgotten.
February 28, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Matt's family. My prayers and thoughts are with you at this most difficult time. Matt was my son's friend.
Sandra Jarrell
Janet Inkley
February 28, 2011
So very sorry to hear of his passing. Made me laugh quite a bit in high school!!
Ronda Asciutto Groth
February 28, 2011
To all of Matt's friends and family,
"With each memory we meet again with the one we love, for the heart never forgets."
My love, prayers and thoughts to all
--St. Emily Class of 1982
John Glynn
February 28, 2011
My deepest condolences to Matt's family. Matt was a long time friend who I always had huge respect for. I vividly remember the exact moment that I met him at The Metro way back when we were teenagers. It was truly an honor to me that he came to work at The Boulevard Cafe. He was a wonderful guy to work with and was deeply loved by both the staff and customers alike. I spent countless hours laughing and talking with Matt. He was a wonderful person and will be missed profoundly.
Leah Philipp
February 28, 2011
I was so sad to hear of Matt's passing. He was an amazing person, an old neighbor and colleague.
My heart goes out to his family.
Brian Forkin
February 28, 2011
I have such fond memories of talking and laughing with Matt, he will be sorely missed, my thoughts go out to his family. He was a good man.
Amy Koziol Adent
February 28, 2011
So sorry to hear about Matt's passing. A lot of fun childhood memories come to mind when thinking about him and the old neighborhood. Of course the way he furnished and decorated the crawl space was one of my favorites! Thoughts and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.
Bill Atella
February 28, 2011
My deepest condolences to Matt's Family. Matt was a great influence in my early years of HS. He created the Musical Union at Hersey and got the 1st ever "field trip" to a Replacements concert! Great times were had with him and he is one reason I still am a musician today. Thanks for the memories Matt, you will be missed.
Amy Koziol
February 28, 2011
So sorry to hear about Matt's passing. A lot of fun childhood memories come to mind when thinking about him and the old neighborhood. Of course, the awesome crawl space he furnished and decorated will always be a favorite memory of mine. Our thoughts and prayers go out to you during this difficult time.
Kenneth Stagliano
February 28, 2011
I was so sorry to hear of the passing of Mathew. I miss him deeply. I was a colleague of his at work. He was the best!
Ken Stagliano
Scot & Lana DuVal
February 28, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Nelson family and all of his friends. His laughter and balls to the walls attitude will always be remembered with a shot & a smile. Rest in peace my friend. You will be missed.
Bets Bromley
February 28, 2011
Matt always had a smile and twinkle in his eyes. We recall fondly his practical jokes and nicknames for his friends. "Goodnight, sweetheart".
Our heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Cathy Wozniak Gough
February 28, 2011
My condolences to you, Mrs. Nelson and family. I was stunned to hear of Matt's passing. Matt was always such a nice guy, not a mean bone in his body. I regret not having been in touch since the Hersey days. My mom still has that amazing panoramic First Communion group photo.
p r i s c a
February 28, 2011
I am sorry to hear of Matt's passing. My heart goes out to Mrs. Nelson, Mark, Mark's family and all those who love him. Wishing you peace and all of the support you need during this difficult time.
Prisca & the Kolkowski/Learmann families
Lisa Borta
February 28, 2011
Matt was Gryphon to my Duchess [Alice in Wonderland], Trafalgar Tremayne to my Dainty Daisy Dashleigh [Bertha the Bartender's Beautiful Baby], and Nazi to my Sister Sophia [Sound of Music]. Bad Movies Club in his basement: "Bad Movies are the Best Movies." Rocky Horror Picture Show. Walker Brothers. Repo Man. Muncie Theatre Festival with more practical jokes than should be allowed by law. Working with Matt at the Coffee Bean and him throwing cookies into the ceiling fan. His astounding ability to deadpan and his positively warped sense of humor. With Matt, I'd laugh until my knees caved in. I'm blessed to have reconnected with him after a long hiatus (getting him to order the bamboo caterpillars at Sticky Rice restaurant!), and I'm forever grateful for all the great times we shared. As he wrote in my yearbook, "Life is a bad improv." Yeah, Matt, it sure is.
K. Jones
February 28, 2011
Sending deepest sympathies and prayers to the Nelson family. Matt was a wonderful and kind soul.
The Jones family
Kelly Sullivan
February 28, 2011
Matt always brought a smile to my face. What a great guy. So sad to hear the news. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
Jason Ramsay
February 28, 2011
Matt was a genuinely great person who was a major architect of the puck rock scene of the 80s and 90s in Chicago. Even years later he always remembered us losers from the Durty Nellies days and got us a few free drinks at the Metro. I am sad that I cannot pay my respects in person. We will miss you Matt!
February 28, 2011
Matt
Julie Kochevar Gara
February 28, 2011
Very Sorry to hear about Matt's Passing. I just watched Ferris Bueller with my son the other day and pointed him out . My thoughts and prayers are with his family during this sad time.
ken kand
February 28, 2011
There are some things that come to mind when I think of Matt. Repo man, punk rock,bowling at his dads alley,hanging out at his house, "Drive fast.Take chances." "What are you wearing?" If the bulb from the dome light was missing from the car you were driving.....well.Laughing till it hurt. Carlsons bachlor party, Great America.The love for his family and friends. I will truely miss him and all the things we never got to do. Have fun up there bowling with your dad Matt.
February 28, 2011
I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I haven't seen or talked with Matt since high school and yet vivid memories of him have popped up over the years. He was a trailblazer for bringing the 'Ultraphase' dance to Hersey. As many have said he was always smiling and could always bring a smile to one's face. He will be truly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Kathe Rogala
Ken Kand
February 28, 2011
There are some things that come to mind when I think of Matt.Like.....Repo man,Plate-o-shrimp,Punk Rock,"What are you wearing?". "Drive fast.Take Chances." Bowling at his dads alley.Hangin out at his parents house.If the bulb from the dome light of the car you were driving was missing..........well.Loved to laugh.Great sense of humor. Always accepted people for who they were. Loved his friends and family.
I will love him and miss him always.
Have fun up there bowling with your dad Matt.
Steve Walker
February 28, 2011
Matt was one of the funniest guys I've known and a very sweet and kind soul. I will miss him very much. My condolences to his family and friends.
Josh Radlein
February 27, 2011
There are so many great things I always remember about Matt. Be it his brush with fame in Ferris Bueller, his ability to entertain a couple of people or a whole crowd, or his incredibly quick sense of humor. I had the opportunity to work with him off and on over the years, and I always felt lucky. He will be greatly missed. My thoughts and sympathies to his family and friends.
Jessica Ball
February 27, 2011
Will not forget Matt's obvious passion for music. He always had me laughing with his point on movie quotes. When we worked @ Metro he would round up all the employees to go out for a nice dinner. I really enjoyed those times.
meg (buckley) viezbicke
February 27, 2011
My condolences to Matt's family. It's been many years, but his sincere heart and kind smile I've never forgotten
Tom Gebarowski
February 27, 2011
I have not heard this name in years, but saddened to hear Matt Nelson is gone. He was a bright & fun guy in high school, so
sorry to hear about his passing. Condolences to the family.
Roseann Portiera
February 27, 2011
To the Nelson Family-
Words cannot express my deep sadness for your loss. Matt was so much fun and loved to make people laugh. I know how much he loved family.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Wendi Langer-Lindelli
February 27, 2011
I will always have fond memories of Matt...I am in shock and at a loss for words :(((((
My deepest sympathy goes out to his family
Alyse & Nick Goodwin
February 27, 2011
Our deepest condolences to the Nelson Family. We worked with Matt for a few years and saw firsthand how many people he touched, not to mention made laugh, and his record collection was legendary. He will be missed.
Tom Kelly
February 27, 2011
My condolences to you all for your loss. My thoughts are with you all.
Wendi Lindelli
February 27, 2011
I will always have fond Memories of Matt :((((( I am in shock and at a loss for words.....???
Katie Sweeney
February 27, 2011
To the family of Matt Nelson, I am so sorry for your loss. I enjoyed being a classmate of Matt's in both grade school and high school. I will always remember his smile and laugh. My prayers are with all of you.
Kevin Delaney
February 27, 2011
My deepest sympathy to the Nelson Family. I have great memories of Matt back when we were youmg. You will be missed.
February 27, 2011
My deepest condolences are sent to Matt's family. I have very fond and warm memories of Matt in my 7th grade classroom at St. Emily's. He was polite to me and brought many smiles to his classmates.
May his memories last forever in our minds. God, welcome him home.
Mrs. Marlene (Dworianyn-Kykta) Payne
Dave Roberts
February 27, 2011
Matt will be very much missed by everyone who ever knew him.
todd pot
February 27, 2011
Long live the Spirit of Matt and RocknRoll! My thoughts are with the family.......
Jim Emiley
February 27, 2011
Sorry to see you go my friend... I had alot of child hood memories with Matt and that will never go away
Ryan Meade
February 27, 2011
When I think of matt TWO things come to mind, *punk rock* and *bacon popcorn*,,, my deepest apologies go to his family, he will be missed. I knew him for the last 2 and 1/2 years and we had some good times. Gonna miss matty da chin....
Joe P
February 27, 2011
Matt you will be missed. He was a part of the scene, and always did his part to help the scene. Great guy...
February 27, 2011
Matt
Carla Drews-Anforth
February 27, 2011
I am so sad to hear this news. One word that comes to mind immediately about Matt is "smile!". Matt and Kochevar always made me giggle, back in the St. Emily days!. Matt you will be missed! My deepest sympathy to the family!
Carla Drews-Anforth
February 27, 2011
I am so sad to hear this news! One word that comes to me immediately when thinking of Matt is "smile". Back in the St. Emily days Matt and Kochevar always made me giggle!! You will be missed Matt my deepest sympathy to his family!
Laura Sherman
February 27, 2011
I atended both grade school and high school with Matt and will never, ever forget his wonderful sense of humor. He could brighten my darkest day. Matt, you will be greatly missed.
Laura Sherman
1973 First day of Kindergarten
Erin Murphy Beck
February 27, 2011
Dear Mrs. Nelson, Mark and Becky,
I have so many memories of Matt and I growing up...model cars, beach boys music, the sand box, eating lunch at your house, playing everyday, going to the bus stop, the kindergarten circus, chocolate chip cookies, climbing trees, St. Emily's, Hersey, etc. He was always my best friend no matter what we went through. The friendship we had made me into who I am today. I was and still am grateful and proud to have him as my life long friend. I will miss him dearly. (ironic, I just added Build Me Up Buttercup to my ipod two weeks ago. His song to me.)
With deepest sympathy and thoughts of prayer,
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