Matthew C. Frantz Obituary

Matty was my friend. My only true battle buddy at the time. He called me "Princess Vespa" because I brought so much stuff to Ft Campbell (referencing Space Balls). He helped me bring all of my luggage to my barracks, of course. I bought him a 6 pack as a thanks. He introduced me to some great movies, most notably The Big Lebowski. We'd watch movies and he'd talk about his girlfriend (later fiancé) all the time, about how amazing she was. I did not think I could handle it when I got the news. It was broken to me so casually, because I wasn't the intended recipient of the information. I think of him often and always remember him on this day. I cherish the kindness he showed me.

I am an old neighbor of the Frantz Family. I heard about Matthew's passing through another old neighbor. My heart goes out to the Frantz Family. I remember Matthew and Chris as young boys running, laughing and just being kids in Canyon Country, CA. Jim, Marilyn, i am so sorry for your loss. Your son grew up to be an amazing young man who you are obviously very proud of. May he rest in peace .
MaryNavarro

Matthew, Ricky, Clifton and Dennis did not share an MOS but they did share the same fate. On that day they were all gathered in the Creator's loving arms. Since then I have learned that Matthew wanted to serve from a very early age. I know that his parents had their 3 children all serving when Matt died.
Matthew had a great smile, fluid sense of humor, will power to propel him back into service despite being told it wasn't possible. He met his destiny head on. He is remembered not for how he died but for how he lived.

It has been many years but I remember Matt every memorial day. We were in Counterintelligence School together. I remember I was in Heidelberg Germany when we got the news about Matt; I have never forgotten.

This week my brother got out Matt's Ju Jitsu gear, as he has just started to learn the practice. Just wanted to say his old Gi is in good hands.

As Veterans Day approaches, these many years since Matt's passing, I am moved to say that though Matt is not here, he has never left. We remember him. I remember his infectious smile. I remember his bravery, always ready to be the first one into harms way. I remember how he would yell in joy, either after telling a joke or winning a game.

I will always remember you Matt. R.I.P. Thank you for all of the laughs and for lighting a light in a cold desert tent in Hawijah.
SFC Adrian Holler (Ret)

I want to echo the comment from yesterday. Matthew Frantz's family, your son is not forgotten by others outside the family. Us, his cohorts from the military will never forget him. May Matt be at peace with the Lord.

On the anniversary of your passing I wanted to send a message to your family that you are never forgotten. Rest In Peace Matt.

So many people are remembering you today, myself included. Beautiful posts have been made on facebook. You're not forgotten. You are loved and you are missed.

I Still think of our short chat we had on Christmas Eve after church before you went over. If I'm blessed enough to live to an old age, I'll always remember how happy and right where you wanted to be you seemed. I couldn't help but think how you sure weren't that same little brother that followed us older kids around. You were a man now. My thoughts are with the Frantz family as always this time of year and in January. Thank you Spc. Matthew C. Frantz for giving your all.

Today is Memorial Day. I share my memories of you with anyone who will listen. I value life daily and every time I watch The Big Lebowski I like to think you're watching it with me.

Matthew our beloved son its been 10 years ago that we was putting you to rest on a cold day the 30th. We miss you all the more I and your family will always remember your love and sacrifice you and you comrades made on that fatal day January 20th 2006. Rest peace with Jesus my precious son your are forever loved and we miss you dearly.



Forever faithful to your HONOR

Love you DAD

Still remembering you Matt.

I am thinking of you and your parents on your 10 year memorial anniversary.
Time doesn't heal anything, it just teaches us how to live with the pain.

10 years today. A decade. I'm still thinking about you often. Not forgotten.

- Carson

It's Veteran's Day today. Kathy and I have been talking about you this week. I'm wearing the memorial bracelet that was made for you.

It says:
SPC MATTHEW FRANTZ - US ARMY
101ST ABN DIV 20 JAN 2006 HAWIJAH, IRAQ

On the edges that meet on side says IN and the other has the Eagle Airborne logo.

Miss you man. Every time I watch The Big Lebowski, it's in your honor for introducing me to The Dude.

- SPC Carson Walker

There is not a day that I don't think of you and the sacrifice you have made for our country.

Hey cuz. On this memorial day, I keep playing the same memory of the last time I saw you climbing out of my mothers minivan. That is all I have of you which I'm going to cherish for the rest of my life until we see each other again soon. Love ya cuz!

I spoke with Mr. & Mrs. Frantz yesterday at a Gold Star Families monument dedication. It was the first time I had seen them since 2006. Nine years ago, I was one of the Casualty Notification Officers that gave them the news of Matthew's death. Yesterday, I again had a knot in the pit of my stomach as I approached Marilyn. The afternoon brought many hugs and a lot of tears but it definitely helped with the healing process.
Matthew will forever be a young soldier. Currahee.

Been thinking about you all week. Also been watching The Big Lebowski too. I'm so happy you introduced me to The Dude and my favorite drink, the "Caucasian". :) I loved all our late night talks and you made a positive impact on my life.

I think of you everyday and keep your family in my prayers.

Matthew, thinking of you today on your memorial anniversary. May your parents find peace and comfort on such a difficult day.

Miss you Matt. Think about you all the time. You have always been in NY heart. One day, probably sooner than I want, you will meet up your aunt Sue. Please help her and let her know how much I love her.
Happy Belated birthday cousin. You are truly missed. I love you.

Matt, wishing you a happy birthday. I think of you everyday, you are not forgotten.

Matt.

Wishing you Happy Birthday even though you are not here physically think of you often,this is YOUR DAY . Wondering who and what you would be today. 9-25- 82 wiil forever be engaved in my mind. :-]

DAD

Thinking about you cuz. Love ya!

Matthew,
Here we are, years later, but not forgotten. I'm sure you're looking down on us all from above.
Today is one to remember all the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice, such as yourself.
Tom Burns

Matthew,

Its Superbowl 2014 time once again. wishing you could be here to share the game with me. forever love and miss you. until we meet again.

Dad

Matt, I think about you every year at this time, I've never forgotten you. Now, one month before the anniversary of your passing, my husband's helicopter went down in Afghanistan. It seems so unfair. I will miss you both immensely.

There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you.

Matthew, I am thinking about you today on your memorial anniversary. May your mom and dad have the strength to get through this difficult day. Please give my son, PV2 Anthony P. a hug for me.

Matthew, Today would have been your 31st Birthday, but your forever trapped in my mind as the young 23 year old i I so dearly miss and so proud to have as a son. My most remembrance of you is running down the hallway with your arms open ,wide as they could stretch , to get the biggest hug from your dad, bring such a big smile to my face. Miss you as much as ever . Happy Birthday son :-)


DAD







DAD

Always thinking of you Matty Matt!

Forever in gratitude for the military service that Matthew provide for all of us. I believe it was not in vain.

6:30 Indy time

What time?

Well Matthew tonight Feb 14 Valentines Day everyone will know your story because it will be on the CBS Evening News wi th Scott Pelly. I am so proud of othe man you had become! I love you and miss you more than words can say!

MOM

Hey Cuz. I can't believe it has been seven years since you been gone. I just can't get that image of you getting out my mother's mini van when you were in town for church. It still seems like yesterday. We all miss you cuz. Say hi to Bob and Debbie for me as I miss them too. Love you man.

Tim

Matt,
Cannot believe it's been 7 years already. I still remember what I was doing when I got a call from Carlos to update me on the sad news. I also still remember the last time we visited in person. You were back for Christmas time off, and stopped by my house. I now train in Krav Maga, and there's some instructors cross train that with BJJ. It reminds me of when you tried "teaching" me BJJ, or should I say you just wanted to show off what you'd learned. haha. RIP up in heaven bud. Wish you were still here with us.

Matt, I cant believe I let yesterday slip and not get on here to tell you how much I miss you. I was just talking about you at work today. I have never forgotten you and how I much I wish you were here to see my kids and have a beer. The pain of missing you has never went away we just learn to cope. Miss ya brother. You are my true hero.

Matt, I can't believe it's been 7 years, as others have mentioned. I miss you and your love for the Army that you showed even in your early career with the Army at Ft. Huachuca. Miss you and love you man.

To the family and friends of Spc. Matthew C. Frantz:
It has truly been my honor to sign Matthew's guest book these past few years. Unfortunately, due to complications from my Multiple Sclerosis, this may be the last message I'm able to write. Please forgive me and know that Matthew will always be remembered in my home.
With love and respect ~ Peggy

Remembering you on your seven year memorial anniversary. Matthew, I never met you but I know you through your wonderful parents. Wishing strength and comfort to them on such a difficult day. Rest in peace, sweet boy, and please give a hug to my son, Anthony.

Matthew

Here we are 7 years later and miss you all the more and those who went with you on this day.You will always be our 23 year old HERO as for your commrads too. Lifting you up and your men every time we can. Gone to Heaven but, NOT FOGOTTEN. "How does it fill to be 61?" you might say ,well with out you, terriable.

Dearly missed you

DAD

Matthew,

Your forever in our thoughts and this Veterns Day will be NO exception. With those that have paved the way before you and those after. we endever to lift up YOU and them as our Heroes.
Missing you GREATLY.

DAD

Happy birthday, Matt! You've made a permanent impression in my life, to motivate me and work through the rough times without stopping. The advice and wisdom you've given as well as being there for me during service, I have for my family at home. Thank you. I will be visiting next summer on a road trip to Indiana and look forward to putting up beautiful flowers as respect and thanks.

Matthew,

Happy Birthday 30th son, wonder who you would be today.... Love you and miss you dearly.

DAD

Matthew,

Today would have been your 30th birthday, I miss you sand Love You RIP

Mom

I miss you Matt! The toughest man I've ever known. WE LOVE YOU

Matt, I was thinking about you today, and how you probably would have had a great night last night for St.Patty's. I think of you often, especially when I watch The Big Lebowski - since you introduced me to The Dude and the oh so delicious "Caucasian". I'm always with you dude.

Matthew,

Hours have turned into days, weeks, months and now years...You ARE NEVER FAR FROM MY THOUGHTS... I AM SO PROUD OF THE MAN THAT YOU HAD BECOME! YOU HAD FOUND THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE AND YOU LOVED THE ARMY But a life here on earth was not meant to be! We had you for 23 years and wanted more but we Praise God for the time you were here. We have many wonderful, funny memories! I LOVE YOU!!

MOM

Even though I am a few days late, I still cant believe you have been gone for 6 years already. I still think of all the great times we had and the great person you were. Thanks for sacrificing it all for us. We are better and safer for what you did. Love Ya Brother!

January 20, 2012
To the family and friends of Spc. Matthew C. Frantz:
Always remembering Matthew. "Some gave all."

One love!

Can't believe it's been 6 years already. Seems like just yesterday your dad and I were teaming up to pick on you and leave you at the ball field. Do you remember that one Jim? We had some fun times buddy. Wish you were still here.

Miss you lots Matt. Even today thinking back you put a smile on my face. :)

Matthew,

The minutes have begat hours, hours to days, days into months, months years none of which had I not thought of you and your fellow comrades on your fatal day.
I think of your courage and sacrifice and your commitment not only to your country, but to your fellow comrades in arms.
You made me ( us ) proud. Tomorrow will be 6 years OH !! where has the time gone...... Often wonder who you would be today. WHAT AN FINE SOLDIER'S SOLDIER YOU WERE !!


DAD
SFC ( ret )

Almost a year later I am posting again. We miss you Matt.

I never forget you.

Matt, you are forever in our hearts. I will never forget you, your smile & laughter and the way you lived every day to fullest. You were a remarkable solider and it was a privilege to serve with you.

Today reminds me every year of why you are not here. You were protecting us from the evil people that are out there. Thanks again for protecting us and continue to watch over my family as you will always be remembered.
Love Ya Brother

Matt,
I cant believe that it has been 5 years already since you were here with us fighting for our country. I still think about you everyday. We have your picture in our home on our shelves and Lacie knows the picture is of you. You are truly still alive in our hearts and we will never forget what you did for us. Please continue to watch over us and protect us.
Love ya Brother

Still thinking about you, and as you see from all the posts, truly no one has forgotten about you after 5 years, and no one will.

Matt,
It's been 5 years, and none of us from E Co., 309th have forgotton you. Those days seem like a lifetime ago. It is often hard to reconcile the good times we had back then, joking and tormenting each other, with the way things are now. I lost another friend, one of my soldiers, in Afghanistan last year. We laid him to rest in Arlington. I was thinking of you too when I looked at the graves of all my friends there. More than anything now, I hope your family can find peace, and some sort of happiness like I know you would have wanted them to. We will always remember you.

Hey matt, 5 year's have gone by an not a day goes by that we don't think of u. We know ur looking down on us and keeping us safe everyday. God Bless!!! Spc Thomas,Jeffrey, Jill (Frantz) Thomas

To The Frantz Family,

It's been 5 years, but Matthew is still not forgotten. You'd raised a man who was a good friend in my W Lafayette days. Matthew's open giving of his time and efforts, to help protect the freedoms of our country, will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,

To the family and friends of Spc. Matthew C. Frantz:
Please accept my remembrance of Matthew on the anniversary of his passing and know that he will never be forgotten.
Peggy Childers
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Matthew,

I have no words to express how I feel after living 5 years after your death. Exceot to say I Love and Miss you more than ever. I am expecting you to come in the back door and say with that beautiful grin on your face "hey Ma. how was your time without me." My head knows you will never, but my heart still doesn't want to let go. All I can say is you better have those dancing shoes ready for me! ALL MY LOVE, MY HERO

MOM

Thinking of Matthew and his family during this week especially. I keep you in my prayers. Matthew has died to the world we live in but is still a shining presence in this world and the next for love endures beyond death.

Matthew,

Another birthday has passed and you were not here to blow out your candles. But I knnow in my heart that you may not be here on earth, you are still with us. I miss you, my sweet baby boy ad I always will!
Love Always, Mom

Happy birthday Matt, U R NOT FORGOTTON, HAPPY 28th BIRTHDAY, We miss u so very much. Wanted to let u know as well, u would've been an awsome Uncle to ur soon to be niece an nephew. We will make sure 110 percent they know all about u n what u n ur buddies did to keep this country FREEE!!!!! Ur loving cousin Jill Thomas

Happy Birthday, Matt. You are our hero too.

Matthew,

Words can not express how much I miss you. I carry you to the intermost of my being as to the point that you are and will always be a part of me and so dearly missed. Tommorrow SEPT 25th you would have been 28 years young. Often wonder who you would be today. I do know that you are always near. HAPPY BIRTHDAY. You will always be my 23 year old HERO from here to heaven above I send you my love.

DAD

I was one of the soldiers that laid Matthew to rest. There is not a day that goes by that I do not think of him or his family. I am so so sorry.

Matt,
Always thinking about you and our fallen friends on Memorial Day.

Matt will not be forgotten. He's been remembered on this Memorial Day weekend.

Thinking of Matt on this Memorial Day weekend, and his whole family. He left a lasting impression with me. I am happy to have known him.

Hey Matt, Wish u were here, we miss u very much. Another year has gone by with out u, but u r in a better place looking down on us. There's alot of talk going on now that there is possibly gona b a build up of Patriot Battarie's going to the Persion Gulf area, which in turn means my husband will possibly be going as well now. Love u so much Matt!!!! God Bless All Those Who Serve!!!! your loving cousin Jill/Jeff Thomas

Hey Matt,
I bet you are sitting watching me type this laughing so hard you have tears in your eyes, I missed your anniversary day by a day man I'm getting so old now my brain has quit working properly. I miss you my friend and when I'm driving along going from one town to the other and you pop into my mind I always feel better thinking of someone who was so special in my life and always made me laugh and relax. Just to be together again for one hour to watch the smile and the excitement you brought with you was so special.
Hugs,
David T. Reed

Matthew,

"OH YA GOTTA HEAR THIS"....

I miss you, not a day goes by that I am not thinking of you and often thinking... Who you would be today... the 2 year old little boy,I remimber , running to me with those little legs going as fast as they can as if they was the wheels of a speeding train and arms open wide as if you could take in the world with a big hug and the widest smile that would penatrate the hardest of hearts ? OR The 6ft 2in tall young man that has "GAVE HIS ALL" for the freedom for which you stood like so many before you. I will endever that all will speak highly of you. You are "MY SUNSHINE HERO" !! :)

I Truly miss you,

DAD

Matthew,

Four years ago I came home from a busy day at work, got comfy in my bathrobe and sat at the computer to write you an email. A loud knock at the door and when I answered the door, I knew, without the sargents even blinking why they were there. Our lives have been changed forever! There are not too many hours in the day that you are not on my mind! I long to have you come in the house with, "oh, you gotta hear this!" or "Hey Ma, how was your time without me..."I miss you Matthew!!! I miss my buddy! But I am so very proud 0f you!! You are my HERO!

I LOVE YOU

MOM

To the family and friends of Spc. Matthew C. Frantz:
Remembering Matthew on the anniverary of his passing. May our fallen heroes never be forgotten!
Peggy Childers
"Don't Let The Memory Of Them Drift Away"
www.IraqWarHeroes.org

Matt,
There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of you and the sacrific you made for this country. My prayers and thoughts go out to you and your family. May you rest and watch over us always.

As the holiday season approaches Your always on my mind and in my heart. I miss you Matt. The only memory I have of you is when you came up from Fort Huachuca to go to church with my mother. I remember when you climbed out of her van, I thought to myself who is that big guy getting out of my moms van. When I asked my mom who you were I was so shocked to hear it was my cousin Matt. I didn't think it would be the last time I would see you. I miss you so very much. You will always be our hearts. I feel so blessed to have you as my cousin. I'm proud of you for what you did for our freedom. I know that you and Debbie(my late wife)are looking down on us and making sure that we are safe. We love and miss you. Your cousin Tim Love ya bro!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt,
Miss you so much never a day goes by I don't have you on my mind. David and Lindsay had a little boy his name is Elix you would enjoy seeing David's smile when he holds him and the pride shows much as everyone who ever came in contact with you had a heart that was so much better and full of joy after meeting you, Wish you were here I would give you a hug and let you know how importamt in my life you were.
Hugs,
David T. Reed
P.S. Thank you and all the soliders for making our freedom ring throughout all the USA.

Matthew,

I could not let this Veterans Day pass without telling you how proud I am to have been your mother. You will live on in our hearts and our memories! Thank you for serving our country so proudly ! I miss you Mattie!

Love
Mom

Hey Frantz,
Still in our memories bud. I spoke to a client yesterday who is Army retired. Was in the field of gathering intelligence overseas. Thanks for being the man/soldier you are. You were a good friend.
Tom

Haven't forgot about you or your service for our country. Love ya bud. Back in Afghanistan for the 2nd time.

Hey Happy Birthday Matt, we miss u , we love u very much!!! Jeff's unit will b leaving soon Bound for Iraq , wish never but r job isn't done over there yet . There b in country as of January 2010, there order's r changing seems like almost daily, matt there is a chance they may change to Afghanastan, an it's looking very likely it could happen. Were hearing now that another 40,000 troops could b called up for afghanastan, wish u were here matt please b with jeff's unit as they head to Iraq, an as they keep us safe back home. We think of u all the time matt, jeff is restoring a 1984 jeep cj-7 , had it all painted , in honor of u an his uncle's who were KIA in The Korean War, wish u were here to c it's so Beautiful. He told me he wanted to keep in here forever an what he was wanting to do an I told him to do it , a old jeep painted I. honor of u guy's who died for us to keep us FREE!!!!! We love u always matt ,;-( miss u Hugs Kisses Spc Thomas,Jeffrey an ur counsin Jill Thomas love u matt God Speed!!! God Bless The USA!!!!!

Dear Matthew,

Happy Birthday on what would have been your 27th. Dad and I miss you and love you very much!!!

Love,

Mom

Matt u r sadlly missed by ALL,U WILL NEVER B FORGOTTON!!!!!!!! It'll b 4 year's in January,2010, in turn now, it's my unit now getting ready to Deploy to iraq in January,2010 for a 12-15 month deployment.We wish u were here we know u r loking down on us every minute of the day, hey matt it's ur cousin Jill i miss u very much,it's now my husband's unit's turn now to go to iraq, please keep an eye on his unit i wna t them back all safe love u matt,Jill a (frantz)Thomas

We miss u very much matt, wish u were here , but it's guy's like u that keep us FREE !!!!! Lover alway's ur cousin Jill A. Thomas (Frantz) Pfc Thomas,Jeffrey s.