Matthew Ibson Kahn

Matthew Ibson Kahn, formerly of Des Moines, died October 20, 2009 at Spartanburg (SC) Regional Medical Center. Matt was born July 10, 1965 the son of Roberta (Saigh) and Robert C. Ibson, Jr., joining sister CeCelia C. Ibson at home in Des Moines. Robert died in 1969.
In 1972, Roberta married Morris O. ("Bud") Kahn, whose surname Matthew later took as his own, and Matt became "little" brother to Cyndi, Gary and Laurie Kahn. Matt attended Hanawalt, Woodrow Wilson (Newton) and Ventura Community schools, then Shattuck-St. Mary's and Kemper Military School, from which he was graduated in 1984. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1985 and served his country with pride. In 1993, Matt returned to Iowa to attend DMACC, then Iowa State University, where he majored in computer science. While in Ames, Matthew met Melinda Kay Bates. Matt and Mindy married on October 18, 1996 and God blessed their union with three children: Jonathan Daniel, Kathryn Marie and LeighAnn Rae. The family settled in Des Moines where they lived until 1999. Matthew's expertise in computer programming and technical support/service took him across the U.S., to Europe, South America and Asia. He worked for Bridgestone/Firestone in Des Moines and, later, Tennessee. In 2001, he joined Sealed Air Corp. of Duncan, SC and was a business analyst there at the time of his death.
Matthew's devotion to faith and family was unconditional and unsurpassed. He adored his wife and children, family and friends, putting their needs far ahead of his own. He was a hands-on father who led by example as tutor, coach and cheerleader. Matthew rarely missed a family holiday, celebration or event even when it meant driving for hours or days on end. In June 2009, Matt moved his family, work and life from South Carolina to Des Moines to support his sister, CeCe Ibson, and her children through husband/father Jay P. Wagner's last weeks and death from cancer on July 15, 2009. Matt then arranged a vacation for all at Disney World in September 2009.Matthew Ibson Kahn was a big man with an even bigger heart. His strength, compassion, humor, love and kindness will be sorely missed by many.
Matthew was preceded in death by father Robert C. Ibson, Jr.; grandparents Hafid and Thelma (Rashid) Saigh and Robert C. and Cecelia (Duffy) Ibson; aunt Nancy (Tom) Coad; parents-in-law Chester and Norene Bates; and brother- in-law Jay P. Wagner. He is survived by his wife Melinda and children Jonathan, Kathryn and LeighAnn Kahn of Moore, SC; parents Bud and Bobbie Kahn of Urbandale; siblings Cyndi (Robert) Grogger, Gary (Janie) Kahn of Newton, Laurie Kahn and CeCelia Ibson of Des Moines; brother-in-law Larry (Sarah) Bates of Huxley; nephews and nieces Dr. Mitchell (Angie) Humphries, Megan, Mollie and Robert Kahn, Zoey and Kiernan Wagner and Laura, Audrey and Jeremy Bates; uncles and aunts John Ibson (Steve Harrison), Donna (Ernest) Namee, Mary (John) Greenough, Rose Lorig and Lenore (Samuel) Cohen; and many cousins.
A memorial service took place October 31, 2009 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Moore, SC. On October 30, 3009, a private family burial was held at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson, SC. In Matthew's memory, contributions may be made to the Home School Foundation, P.O. Box 1152 Purcellville, VA 20134-1152.