Matthew Truman Laug, 97, of Idaho Falls, passed away November 28, 2025, at MorningStar Senior Living Center in the presence of his family.
Matthew was born June 29, 1928, in Karuizawa, Japan, to George W. Laug and Mildred Irene Hubbell Laug. He grew up and attended schools on the Omaha Indian Reservation in Nebraska. He attended Wheaton College in Illinois finishing with a Bachelor's Degree in Chemistry. On October 9, 1949, he married Mary Anna Anderson in Denison, Iowa.
He enlisted in the United States Army during the Korean War, serving in the Army Chemical Corps in Maryland. He served his country with pride and with a deep sense of patriotism, completing his service with the rank of Corporal. He clearly loved his country!
In 1960, Matthew and Mary made their home in Idaho Falls, Idaho, where Matthew worked as an analytical chemist in mass spectrometry at Argonne National Laboratory. During that time, he earned his Master's Degree in Nuclear Chemistry from the University of Idaho. He had several patents and served as three-term treasurer of the American Society for Mass Spectrometry. He retired in1992 after 32 years with the same company.
Matthew was a member of the Alliance Covenant Church where he served as Sunday School Superintendent, Church Treasurer, on the Christian Education Board and Building Committees. He spent his later years at MorningStar, where he enjoyed leading the Resident's Council. He loved spending time with his family and friends over a good cup of coffee. He also liked reading and working with his hands. Work was his passion!
Matthew is survived by his son, Steven (Irene) Laug of Vancouver, BC and their daughters, Naphtali, Abigail, Jessica and Sarah; son, Jeffrey (Sherry) Laug of Idaho Falls, ID and their sons, Dylan (Lily), Morgan (Lara) and Ryan; son, David (Robin) Laug of Idaho Falls, ID and their daughter, Maddie; sister, Mary Butler of Bellingham, WA; sister, Aletha Bartels (Gerald) of Duluth, MN; and brother, David (Linda) of Grand Rapids, MI.
He was preceded in death by his wife, parents, sister, Alicia M. Laug, and brother-in-law, Robert Butler.
The family will visit with friends Wednesday, December 3, 2025, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home East Side, 963 S. Ammon Road. A Private Burial will be in the Ammon Cemetery. Military Honors will be performed by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. A Celebration of Matthew's Life and Faith will be held at 11:30 a.m., Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Wood Funeral Home East Side, with Dr. Steven Laug officiating.
The family wishes to thank MorningStar Senior Living Management, Staff and many friends who made Dad's life there enjoyable. Thanks also to CNS Cares for their incredible love and care to Matthew. We give thanks to Brio for their excellent work in Dad's therapy and hospice care.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the SA Foundation, a human trafficking and recovery organization that Matt supported for many years (www.safoundation.com).
Services will be broadcast live on this page.

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more