Matthew D. Berry

Matthew Dean Berry, age 63 of Menomonie, Wisconsin passed away on Monday July 17, 2023 from Metastatic Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma. Matt lived his life to the fullest with dignity and honor and faced this deadly cancer head on. Matt was diagnosed in the early stage of this disease and he, along with his family and outstanding Mayo Clinic team, aggressively fought this cancer at every turn.
Matt was remarkable during all of his treatments, procedures, and surgeries, never once complaining and never, ever, giving up. Matt touched the hearts of those around him and inspired us all as he stared down this disease and dared it to progress. Even on his most challenging days with the worst possible news, Matt would peacefully say to his family, "life is good I am so grateful for everything and everyone around me." But Matt would be direct and often lead the conversation with his team, "What's next?" Matt made it very clear that he wanted to live.
Prior to his diagnosis, Matt worked as a Public Health Nurse for Hennepin County Long Term Services and Supports. Matt was a man of service. Matt longed to be able to return to work as it was his calling. Matt's wonderful boss, Mary, along with his other brilliant and loving colleagues consisting of other Public Health Nurses and Social Workers all worked tirelessly on the Hennepin County Homeless Initiative. They all provided service and support to those much less fortunate than ourselves.
Matt's nursing career spanned many decades of service to others including owning his own small healthcare business serving persons with disabilities for eighteen years. Matt brought much joy and security to those he preferred to serve - the poor, disabled and homeless.
Matt was born Feb 21, 1960, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota to Dean Vincent Berry and Helen Evelyn (Blomquist) Berry. (Arriving twelve years after his twin brothers and older sister). Matt comes from a family of writers, educators, healthcare professionals and entrepreneurs. He was fiercely loved by his family and affectionally known as Skeezicks to his dad and brothers.
Matt grew up in Minnesota on Spring Park Bay of Lake Minnetonka and boated around the massive lake with his friends. In those days Lake Minnetonka was much quieter, and they could shoot across the lake safely in a 14-foot run about with a 10 HP motor. Matt loved his childhood and he and his friends have maintained their friendships with each other to this day.
Matt has also shared lots of shockingly hilarious and fun stories about summers growing up on Camp Vincent, his dad's summer camp with his sister and brothers on Lake Minnetonka. These are some of Matt's most heartfelt memories with his family. Due to Matt's 12-year age gap with his siblings, he said that he considered himself a "mascot" and that he had felt great love and had great fun with them. These cherished memories cemented a special bond that has lasted a lifetime, as his beloved sister and brothers would often take Matt around with them during their own searches for adventures.
Matt graduated from Mound-Westonka High School in 1978. Matt graduated magna cum laude from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities earning a Bachelor of Science in Public Health and Physical Education. After graduation, he earned a Fulbright Scholarship and spent a year at the Kuopio Research Institute of Exercise Medicine in Finland studying the variable causes of cardiac disease in older men of rural Finland. Later, Matt returned to school and graduated cum laude at the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire earning his Bachelor of Science in Nursing.
When Matt started his nursing career he met and married the love of his life, Cindy. They had one beautiful and talented daughter, Mary Patt, who Matt loved very much and will miss for all eternity.
Matt loved lake life at his cottage, and he was a serious water sports enthusiast. Matt was also an aggressive water skier. At the cottage, Matt would often wake up early with the hopes to find a line long enough to ski during the early morning hours when there was little to no boat traffic. If the water was good enough, he would often grab some very sleepy observers so that he could enjoy a barefoot or slalom run, skiing across the glassy still waters.
Many friends and family members of all ages can thank Matt for the several decades that he spent teaching them water safety, water skiing, barefooting, and towing them around with their favorite tube wars while he quietly celebrated with them and encouraged all their success. Matt loved to entertain as well. He hosted many annual family reunions and parties up at the lake. Matt made summer cool. Matt helped create so many fun and magical memories for all who visited the cottage.
Matt treasured his friendships. Matt had met monthly with a group of eight to ten very close friends since 1990. They called themselves the Monday Night Men's Group.
Matt loved jazz and blues music. He played several instruments, but really enjoyed playing his harmonica the most. Matt worked hard within his practice sessions to hone his skills and create his own sound. Matt also loved singing the blues and listening to music within his extensive vinyl record collection or via Spotify with his family and friends.
In the early days, Matt led his own band, The Matt Berry Blues Band, and they played local gigs and had an annual BBQ Stomp event for the entire community in Menomonie. When Matt was diagnosed with cancer, he brought the band back together along with new members and a new name, The BBQ Stomp Swing Band. The guys would swing hard at the house and collaborate on songs. With his talented longtime friends and the magic of the music, this had brought Matt much purpose, comfort and hope.
Rest in Peace now Matt, knowing you truly brightened every corner of your world and that you were deeply, deeply loved.
Matt is survived by his wife Cindy; daughter Mary Patt Berry of Andover, MN; sister Gail (Jim) Haemmerle of Savage, MN; brothers Steve Berry of San Diego, CA and Stan Berry of Plymouth, MN. He is further survived by his nieces and nephews, Karin (Jeff) Clemon, Marcus (Amy) Haemmerle, Leahna (Jason) Abelsohn, Madison (Lauren) Berry, Mitchell Berry, and Michelle Berry, along with many wonderful children within these families. Matt is preceded in death by his loving parents and many other loved ones.
Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. Friday, July 21, 2023 at Olson Funeral Home in Menomonie with Father Mano officiating. Burial will take place in Evergreen Cemetery in Menomonie. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.