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Matthew Calmes Obituary
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Viola and Willard Calmes, August and Ruby Bergeman; Aunt Kathleen Calmes; Uncle Patrick McCarthy; and Grandfather of Melissa, James (Pappy) Wood.
He is survived by his wife, Melissa; his mother, Jean (Joseph) Talamanco; father, Daniel Calmes; sister, Sara Hoffman; brother-in-law and friend, Kristoffer Hoffman; sister, Christine Calmes; grandparents, Betty and Cliff McCarthy; a nephew, Kristoffer Hoffman; two nieces, Molly and Kaitlyn Hoffman; the best doggie in the world, Lila; and a host of family and friends.
Matt was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August of 2006, which he and Melissa faced together with grace and courage. Throughout this long battle, he continued to enjoy life, and was an inspiration to all who knew him. In Matt's last year, Melissa was constantly by his side, loving and caring for him.
Matt was a positive and content person who brought joy to all who knew him. He had many good friends from Appleton and from college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With these friends, he shared many good times laughing, traveling, and following sports-especially the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.
Matt and Melissa shared a beautiful friendship and love. They enjoyed traveling, concerts, sporting events, hanging out with friends, taking Lila for walks, and just being together. Melissa's family and friends welcomed him and loved him dearly.
A beautiful Memorial Mass celebrating Matt's life was held at Saint Clement Church in Chicago on March 13. Matt will be deeply missed by all.
Contributions can be made to the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Coalition (5320 W. Michael's Dr., Appleton, WI) who supported Matt's mother throughout these difficult years.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Calmes
Katie Wanasek-Gardner
March 30, 2012
I was so sadden by the news of Matt's death. I will keep your family in our prayers. I offer my deepest condolences.
Caroline O'Shea
March 20, 2012
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Melissa and her family. We are so sorry for your loss.
Betty & Roy Conrad
March 20, 2012
Jeannie & family,
That was a beautiful mass in Chicago for Matt.
It was a tribute to Matt how many young professional men and women were there to celebrate his life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Colleen (McCarthy) Thornton
March 18, 2012
Dear Jeannie & family,
While I was caring for my mother in her final days of cancer, Betty called me on the phone and she shared with me that your son Matt had a brain tumor. My heart ached for you. I saw first hand what cancer was doing to mom and could not imagine how difficult it would be to have it happen to my own child. Unfortunately, I was not aware of the depth of Matt's illness and had hoped and prayed that he would be a survivor. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I pray also that God will help comfort you and your family in your time of grief.
With Deepest Sympathy
March 17, 2012
Jeannie - You are in our prayers and may God be with you during this difficult time. You are a wonderful mother and I praise you for all that you did for Matt. We will miss him, especially his visits home with Melissa & Lila! Mark & Haylee were always excited to be able to see Lila and Matt could always find a way to laugh and play with the kids!
Love, Ryan, Holly, Mark, & Haylee
Joe and Beth Steckbauer & Family
March 17, 2012
Our deepest heartfelt sympathies to Matt's family - Jean you are in our prayers. God Bless you all at this difficult time.
Jen Baldeshwiler
March 16, 2012
Jean, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your son. I do not know if you remember me - My mom (Linda) and I met you at the Fox Valley Brain Tumor Meetings. We would love to visit & take you out to lunch sometime. Please know that we think of you often and will keep praying for you and your family.
March 16, 2012
We are so sorry for your loss. We're sure Matt was a fine young man who gave you lots of love and that's what memories are made of... LOVE. May God keep you in his care during this most difficult time.
Terry and Carole Bergman
Allison (Kroll) Salm
March 16, 2012
My heart breaks upon hearing this news. I'll always remember Matt as Christine's cute little brother, following us around, and getting into mishchief. I can't imagine the emotional suffering that your family is going through, losing Matt at such a young age. I will say extra special prayers for Matt and for your entire family. Hugs to all.
The Parnin Family
March 16, 2012
Our family will keep yours in our prayers during this very difficult time. May your memories of Matt bring you comfort in the days ahead. Again, our prayers are with you!
Megan Novak
March 16, 2012
Sending lots of love and prayers your way during this very difficult time. Please know that there are so many people thinking of you. Love, Megan
Karen Zachek
March 16, 2012
Mom and Grandma,
We met at the Brain Tumor Support group early days after Matt's diagnosis. I was so sad to hear that Matt left this life so early. Happy to hear that he married a wonderful loving women. My sympathy to all of you on the untimely loss of Matt.
We know the pain of a brain tumor diagnosis in a young person. Our daughter-in-law, at 35, also has had that experience. However, unlike Matt, almost 10 years have passed without a reoccurance. Praise God.
May you feel God's love and care as you are hugged by family and friends.
Terri Maufort
March 16, 2012
Our thoughts and constant prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Terri and Tucker Maufort
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