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Matthew Hanna Obituary
Matthew was known for his quiet, observant, creative, and kind nature. He dedicated his career to the John Micheal Kohler Art Center (JMKAC) in Sheboygan, WI, where he left a lasting impact. He started in the Detroit art community as a student and grew his love and interest into several art transporting businesses alongside working in galleries across metro Detroit.
In his free time, Matthew indulged in creating art, including sculpture, ceramics, painting, and mixed media. He also enjoyed attending Detroit Tigers baseball games and traveling and camping with his beloved dog, Rocky.
He is survived by his daughter, Marlee Hanna, his brother, Chris Hanna, nieces Christina Hanna, Grace Hanna, Hannah Voytowich, nephews Hawken Hanna, Zach Voytowich, and his faithful companion, Rocky. Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Marlene (Olsen) Hanna, father, Harold Hanna, and brother, Mark Hanna.
Matthew's educational journey included attending Redford Union High School (R.U.) in Redford, MI, and furthering his studies at the College for Creative Studies (CCS) in Detroit, MI.
A service to honor Matthew's life will be held on Sunday, July 28th, 2024, from 1-5 PM at Cass Cafe, located at 4620 Cass Ave, Detroit, MI 48201.
Matthew will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
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Jennifer Kaiser
June 26, 2024
I met Matthew for the first time while creating an art installation for the John Michael Kohler Art Center. It was such a pleasure working with him and getting to know him; he contributed many personal touches to my installation and was instrumental in bringing my vision to life. He will be missed and remembered by all that crossed his path. He was such a kind, gentle, hard-working soul. The World can never have enough of those.
Jennifer Kaiser
Amber S Welch
June 24, 2024
Amber S Welch
June 24, 2024
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Amber S Welch
June 24, 2024
Amber S Welch
June 24, 2024
Matthew was an amazing person. I have known him since I was 20 years old. I am so sad about his passing. We had been talking about me coming to visit this year because I finally got the time too. You will be missed by so many people Matthew. This one really hurt.
michael mikolowski
June 22, 2024
Art and Pishing.
Jim Grogan
June 21, 2024
Matt introduced me to the Scarab Club for the first time. He was a good friend and was always supportive of me. I miss him.
Joyce Olson
June 9, 2024
Matthew, the world was a better place with you and your beloved ROCKY! Thanks for the many great memories, God's speed my friend.
My heartfelt sympathy for family and friends
Marna Perez
June 7, 2024
Matthew and Rocky were definitely a fixture at our dog park. We had many conversations over the years. Matthew always had interesting stories to tell. Especially about Rocky and there many adventures. Our pup Amani (and many other pups) always new Matthew had treats in his pocket and would always share. We will all miss him and the pups will too. Sending thoughts and prayers to Matthew's daughter and family.
Marna, Amani and Yarah
Lesley Ross
June 6, 2024
So sorry to hear of Matthew's passing. He and Rocky were well known at the 18th Street Dog Park. Condolences and blessings to his family. Lesley Ross
Crystal McDonald
June 6, 2024
My husband Timm and I and the rest of the "family" at the dog park in Sheboygan are so very sad to hear of Matt's passing. While Matt was a quiet person you knew when he and Rocky were at the park cause you would hear Rocky barking Hi friends!!! Matt was always nice to everyone at the park and had a friendly hello to share. To the Hanna family we are deeply sorry and you have our Prayers for ease of heart and Our Father's comfort and Grace ... sincerely 18th Street dog run
Jill Anderson
June 6, 2024
I was so saddened to hear of Matthew´s passing. He was a regular at the Sheboygan dog park and my dogs and I would run into him with Rocky quite frequently. He always greeted us with a friendly hello and treats for the dogs. He will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy to his family and friends.
jen (moldwin)
June 4, 2024
matt and i were tight at ccs. we spent a lot of time together back then. we went to opening day together, was it the first opener at copa? it was freezing. matt was always so kind and helpful. love to marlee.
Jacky Leow
June 2, 2024
Very sad to learn of Matt´s death. I knew him through the OU Art Gallery in Rochester and other art organizations. Always nice, such a loss.
Heartfelt sympathies to Marlee, and his family and friends.
Mary Fortuna
June 1, 2024
I came to know Matthew through his beautiful art and from working with him in various gallery situations all over Detroit. He could always be counted on to help with projects. We loved and collected each other's work over the years. I especially loved working with him on Slippery Weasel and Paul Bunyan shows. We had a wonderful day when he and Rocky came to visit me up north. History + Faith.
Andrew Krieger
June 1, 2024
I loved Matt. He was a dear friend. I´m so thankful to have met him, oh so long ago, and shared so many fun and funny adventures on the road and in so many galleries around town. He was truly one of a kind.
VINCE CARDUCCI
June 1, 2024
Always enjoyed Matt whether in person or through his art. A tremendous spirit taken from us too soon. Condolences to family and friends
Valerie & Dennis Parks
June 1, 2024
Matthew was a generous, talented artist, art shipper and installer and great assistant to a local art school gallery. He always said "yes" when asked for help. He has touched every corner of our community. We will miss you but your artwork will remind us of your talents every day.
Mary Fortuna
June 1, 2024
Matthew and I became friends through the Willis Gallery and other galleries in Detroit. We loved each other's work, and each of us collected pieces by the other. We included each other in many shows that we both curated. Our friendship grew through our activities with the Slippery Weasel Society and Paul Bunyan themed shows. We had a wonderful visit when he and Rocky came to see me in Traverse City. Matthew is an indelible part of my memories and my formative years as an artist in Detroit. History + Faith. I will always hold his memory in my heart.
Cindi Jackson
May 31, 2024
Cousin ! Little cousin. .. we will all miss you ! I wished we could have talked about art more, so many memories of you and your brothers growing up in the big Hanna family , dear Marlee you ll be in our prayers. Life will be different but hold onto all precious memories of your dad. Chris your baby bro ! we are sad with you losing first Mark then Matthew in this short span of time. Prayers and love sent.
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