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Michael I. Obituary
On Saturday, October 3, 2020, Michael "Mike" Nicolas Matos I, loving father, son, brother, nephew, and friend passed away unexpectedly at the age of 36 in Merrill, WI. Mike was born on July 14, 1984,in Lawton, OK to Lauri Toepel (Gustavson) and Luis Matos Jr. He was a 2003 graduate of Green Bay West High School. During his high school years, Mike's passion was running track. He was a very talented sprinter and made it to state finals his senior year. After high school, he worked many different jobs, but his favorite job and hobby was breeding ball python snakes.
In his free time Mike, first and foremost, enjoyed spending time and exploring nature with his son Nico. He also enjoyed hiking, camping, fishing, reptiles, keeping peculiar pets, and eating apple pie. Describing Mike is difficult to do because he was such a unique person that was full of life and energy. No matter if you met Mike once or knew him for years, he left a lasting impression wherever he went. We will miss his constant laughter, unique sense of humor, kindness, and passion for the people and hobbies that he loved.
Mike leaves behind his mother Lauri Toepel (Gustavson), his father Luis Orlando Matos Jr, his son Michael Nicolas "Nico" Matos II, his sister Melissa Matos (Kelly Peake), aunts, uncles, cousins, and many friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Jack and Nancy Gustavson.
A memorial to honor Mike's life will be held Saturday, October 24, 2020, at Calvary Lutheran Church in Green Bay-1301 S Ridge Rd. Due to COVID-19 restrictions on gathering, the memorial will be private and by family invite-only. However, a video recording of the service will be available online afterwards.
In lieu of flowers, a gofundme page has been established.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Michael I.
Sponsored by the Green Bay Press-Gazette.
4 Entries
Mark and Debbie Poradek
October 27, 2020
It is never easy to lose a family member especially a child. Our prayers are with you.
Dan Seidel
October 21, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. I coached Mike in football at West Hi and worked with him in the weight room during those years. What a great kid! He had a great personality and always gave you his best. such a hard worker and competitor in track, football, and weightlifting. I know he still held at least one West lifting record when I retired. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
Joe
October 20, 2020
Mike - I love you brother and cannot believe you're gone. Words can't express just how much I miss you or what an amazing person you were. Although we only knew each other for a few years, I felt like we knew each other forever, almost instantly - you have such a big heart and I know if I ever needed someone to talk to you were always there for me. And not just me but anyone that might be going through a tough time or just wanted to talk, you were always there. You are a great Father and I hope, with time, I might get a chance to see your son . I always enjoyed seeing you both. I don't know what else to say right now but you're a special person Mike and you're memory will live on forever - Ill always miss you, I'll never forget you; and I know you're up in heaven watching Over all of us.
Mike, one last thing;
" Remember, there's heroes and there's legends. Heroes get remembered but legends never die, follow your heart kid, and you'll never go wrong."
Until we meet again,
I love you Mike
Rest in peace
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