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Matthew Distelrath Obituary

MATTHEW W. DISTELRATH, 29, of Davidson, N.C., formerly of Fort Wayne, died Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at Carolina Medical Center, Charlotte, N.C. Born April 7, 1975, in Fort Wayne, he was a student at NASCAR Technical Institute, Charlotte and also worked for WERX Motor Sports, Charlotte. Surviving are his wife, Amanda (McGinnis) Distelrath; daughter, Madison Distelrath at home, son, Ty Barth of Columbia City; stepdaughter, Marissa McGinnis at home; mother and stepfather, Susan (Velliquette) and David Lee of Fort Wayne; Father and stepmother, Clarence and Theresa Distelrath of Auburn; sisters, Laura Distelrath of Auburn and Tonya Sabine of Fort Wayne; brother, Tony Distelrath of Fort Wayne; grandparents, Kenneth and Marie Velliquette and Marilyn and William Ronk, all of Fort Wayne; stepsister, Vanessa House of Fort Wayne; and stepbrothers, Tony House, David Lee and Josh Lee, all of Fort Wayne. Funeral service is 1:30 p.m. Monday at Hockemeyer & Miller Funeral Home, 6131 St. Joe Road. Visitation from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home, with Rosary at 7:30 p.m. The Rev. Father Thomas Shoemaker officiating. Burial at Catholic Cemetery. Preferred memorials to Matthew Distelrath Memorial Fund, c/o Fort Financial Credit Union, Attn: Mary Brainerd.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Fort Wayne Newspapers from Oct. 16 to Oct. 17, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Distelrath

Not sure what to say?





Vanessa House

November 12, 2004

I knew Matt for half his life. He would wake every morning ready to tackle the day. I will miss my brother "Spank" for the rest of my days. I send my love to his children Ty, Madison and Marissa, I send my deepest empathy to Amanda.

Amanda Distelrath

November 10, 2004

I want to thank everyone who has expressed their thoughts & feelings in this guest book. It helps so much to know we have people out there that care so much and that thought so highly of Matt. I cannot believe it has been almost a month since he left us. It is not the same without him. He is and will always be greatly missed. I especially miss his smiling face, his unforgettable laugh, and all the little annoying things he'd do to make me laugh or crack a smile, despite how hard I tried to resist! He always had our best interests at heart and wanted a good life for us, which is why he decided to pursue his NASCAR dream. He was definitely on his way to making it a reality. I hope he's an inspiration for everybody - to follow their dreams - because he was so happy going to school and doing something he loved. It is so difficult to think of the girls growing up without him, but I know they will never forget him and I also know that he is watching over all of us and will continue to do so...I take great comfort in that.

I started a website for him and hope everyone will check it out at http://mattdistelrath.blogspot.com/ You can comment on an existing message (click on the comment link for that message) or write your own message that will be published on the site by sending an email to [email protected] Please write me if you have any questions about it.

Thanks again for your support and all the wonderful, loving entries written here.

Theresa Distelrath

November 10, 2004

Dearest Matt- I will always remember your smiling face, your wonderful laugh and your ability to make people feel loved and special. Your life was cut short but the time that we were able to spend with you was precious and will always be cherished. People sometimes forgot what life is truly about and that is our ability to love one another and to cherish each other. Matt you never forgot about what was important and you always put others first. You made a lasting impression and will always be remembered.

Kieara Rork

November 7, 2004

Amanda and girls, I am very sorry about your loss. What I loved about Matt is when we had their birthday party and he made us hamburgers. He was like a big uncle to me. I pray every night and day for our family. He was a wounderful dad to the girls. Amanda god bless you and the girls. ~LOVE YOU AND THE GIRLS ALWAYS~. I hope u came down here so we can see you and the girls.



~love always~

TANYA RORK

November 7, 2004

DEAR AMANDA AND GIRLS: WHAT A JOY IT WAS TO KNOW MATT. HE WAS SUCH A LOVING AND CARING PERSON. REMEMBER HE WAS SENT TO YOU BY GOD . MATT ALWAYS HAD A SMILE, ENJOYED LIFE SO MUCH. HE WILL BE WATCHING OVER YOU. GOD WILL GIVE YOU THE STRENGTH TO CARRY ON SO THAT YOU CAN JOIN HIM AND MATT AGAIN SOMEDAY. LOVE YOU ALL AND THINKING AND PRAYING FOR YOU EVERYDAY. AUNT TANYA

Shaquala Ackerson

November 6, 2004

Dear Amanda and girls,

I just wanted to tell you I love all of you so much and and i'm very SORRY about the lose of Matt!!! Even though we didn't get to see each other as much as family's should you all still manage to fill a part in my heart!!! You all made me laugh and you are good people!!!! We were all blessed to have Matt in our lives!!! But I just didn't get a chance to let you know how I feel about all of you even though you probably already knew. You all are easy people to love because of your good hearts you have!!! We all miss Matt and wil never forget the way he filled our HEARTS with much love. We will never forget him no matter what we go though. He is in a better place now and thats all that matters!!!! I LOVE EACH AND EVERYONE OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Keep your head up and you will make it through!! I'm praying for all of you and the family!!! GOD bless all you!!!!

~*Shaquala*~

LaTanya Ackerson

November 6, 2004

Dear Amanda, Marissa, and Maddie

I'm so sorry for the lost of Matt. He was a great cousin in law and I will ALWAYS remember the great memeories that we all shared with each ohter and all the gatherings we had with one another and how he always made you laugh no matter what mood you were in. I liked how he always helped everyone and was always there for everybody no matter what. I will miss him so much but one day we will meet again and can catch up on old times together. But till that day I LOVE you Matt and will always miss you!!!! ~*LaTanya

Jennifer Rork

November 6, 2004

Amanda and girls, we are very sorry about your loss! Matt was an angel put here for a reason, all the times we seen him he always carried a large smile. He was very bright spirited person, and I'm greatful for the time you all had with him. He was a "KID" at heart, I enjoyed that he was always so involved with all of the kids. God will guide you thru this trying time, keep the faith. WE LOVE YOU ALL!!!

josh lee

October 23, 2004

Amanda and family, I am sorry for your loss, Matt was a special person to me for the fact that he was open to everyone and took me under his wing. I am going to miss you Matt, and will look forward to the day that we meet again.

Sandy McGinnis

October 23, 2004

Matt, I love you and will miss your smile and laugh. You were so close to your Nascar dream. Hopefully, you can fulfill that dream up there. I know you will be watching over Amanda, Marissa and Madison. Love always, Mom Sandy

Melissa Haggenjos

October 20, 2004

Amanda and family, I am thinking about you everyday. My prayers are with you. Love, Melissa

Rita Korn

October 20, 2004

Dave & Sue:

What a shock to hear of the passing of one so young. I am holding my 20 year old son close to my heart after hearing about Matt. My prayers are with you all - may God Bless You.

David Lee Sr

October 20, 2004

Matt did not share the same last name as his mother, Susan (my wife) nor I; however, he was as much a son to me as Tony, my own sons, or his sisters are daughters. Matt was always a beacon of light that forever lead the way to calm safe harbor regardless of what life through into his path or those whose life he touched in ways too numerous to list. We do not pretend to understand God's plan in taking you home so soon, but we have the faith that you'll be there lighting the way for us to follow. You forever live in our minds and deep within our hearts. In this way, you will never be far from us. I look forward to the day we are again face to face. Always be mindful of those that Love you as you reside in that heavenly NASCAR place.

MARILYN MUFF

October 19, 2004

AMANDA AND FAMILY

SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YOUR LOST. MY HEART GOES OUT TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. GOD BLESS YOU ALSO SANDY



MARILYN MUFF

Debra Doell

October 19, 2004

Tony and Family,



I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. I remember him being a very skinny, but cool kid, with a smile always on his face. We even had the same birthday; I always thought that was a neat thing. He will be forever missed. I will keep him and your family in my prayers.



Love, Debra

JymToma Gorman

October 18, 2004

Amanda,



I'm truly sorry for your loss my prayers go out to you and the entire Distelrath family.

Steve Fisher

October 18, 2004

My thoughts and prayers go out to the Distelrath family. Matt and I shared some great memories growing up. He was a great friend of mine through middle school and high school. I just drove past his old house (on Chapman) 2 weeks ago. As I did, it brought back some of those great memories we shared as friends. I am very saddened to hear of his passing. His memory, kindness, and character will never be forgotten.

Letitia Acoff

October 18, 2004

To Amanda and Family, you have my deepest sympathy. May God forever bless you and your family.

george harden

October 18, 2004

WITH SYMPHATHY AND CARING

Dear Mrs MATT:

May These Few Words Help Express

The Many Thoughts Of Sympathy And

Caring That Go Out To You In

Times Of Your Loss



PS: I Will Realy Miss Matt Because

He Was Great To Talk And Work With



Co-Worker At FTW Foundry

George Harden Jr.

Tony Distelrath

October 17, 2004

Matt was a brother that jugded no one, Matt was a brother who loved everyone without judgement. I was always the one that the family looked looked up to for guidence. However, Matt was the one who I looked up to and admired. Matt was the one you I could be open with, knowing that he would never jugde me. He would love and care for me no mater what I thought. My world will now be incomplete and lonely without him. Matt was the bestest friend I could have ever had. Matt had dreams that were on the verge of coming true. Matt where ever you are now I want to let you know that I love you and will miss you forever. I will never let your children forget you, I will look after them and be their for them as if they were my own. I will always be their for them.

Love you always, Tony Distelrath. Your brother.

cheri garner

October 17, 2004

Our hearts go out to all the family members. My God be with each of you in your time of need. Our prayers go out to the whole family and my god be with you.

cheri and al garner and family

April, Jerry, Jessica & Dakota Bentz

October 16, 2004

Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Distelrath and Lee families. Offering our deepest sympathy in their loss.

rick heiser

October 16, 2004

I am very sorry for the loss of your loved one,Matt was A kind and frendly person, and he will always be in my heart.

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