Matthew Nelson Woodin

Matthew Woodin, age 39, of Los Angeles, California, crossed over Saturday, January 14, 2023.
Matthew Nelson Woodin was born July 13,1983, in Pocahontas, Iowa. He was the son of David Woodin and Jayne Woodin. Matthew had many passions, but the first one found was swimming. He joined the Laurens Swim team when he was 6 years old. He also joined the Spencer Y Swim Team at a young age. In high school Matthew focused on his studies and swimming. During that time Matthew swam for the Storm Lake High School team culminating in qualifying for the state swim meet. The summer of his senior year Matthew coached the Laurens swim team, winning the conference title. He still holds many records for Laurens. Matthew also enjoyed travel and new adventures. During his junior year he traveled with his Spanish class to Mexico. As a senior he visited a dear friend in Italy. Matthew graduated as a Laurens-Marathon Charger in 2001. He attended the University of Iowa where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in 2005.
Shortly after graduation, he packed up his silver Camry and headed to Chicago to pursue his dream of changing the world. His passion was to help the underserved and disenfranchised. He relocated to New York City where he continued his support for communities that typically are forgotten by mainstream society. He tired of the winters and struck out for San Francisco. In 2018 he earned his Masters in Public Health from San Francisco State University. While in San Francisco Matthew took a side gig at a wellness center teaching adults how to swim. His final destination was Los Angeles where he loved the ocean.
Along with swimming and travel, Matthew enjoyed reading,(favorite book, The Giving Tree by Shel Siverstein), hiking the forests and flagging in the park.
Matthew was proceeded in death by his father, David Woodin. Matthew is survived by his mother, Jayne Woodin of Laurens, his sister, Lindsay (Tim) Pyle of Dallastown PA, his brother, Adam Woodin of Laurens, nephews and niece Mani, Michael and Penny; his stepmom Nancy Woodin of Ankeny IA, stepsister Madison (Terry) Powers and children, Dillon and Faith of Cave Creek, AZ, his stepbrother, Brian (Abby) Kooker and child Harrison of Ankeny IA.
In lieu of flowers, Matthews family requests that memorials be given in his name to the Laurens Pool Project, Laurens Food Pantry or the Laurens Congregate Meals.