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Matthew Kafka Obituary
TALLMADGE Matthew L. Kafka, 25, died unexpectedly and went home to be with the Lord on Oct. 3, 2002.
Matt was a student at Ak ron University, was born in Akron, and had lived his life in the Tallmadge area. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps.
He is sur vived by his parents, John G. and Donna R. Kafka; sisters and brother-in-law, Sarah E. Kafka, Jen nifer L. and David Bader; brother, John M. Kafka all of Tallmadge; special uncle, Richard D. Fox of Barberton; and several other aunts and uncles.
Funeral services 11 a.m., Tuesday, from the First Congregational Chruch of Tallmadge, 85 Heritage Dr., with Pastor Jeffrey S. Smale officiating. Burial at Tallmadge Cemetery. Friends may call at the Hennessy-Bagnoli Funeral Home, 339 Southwest Ave., from 3 to 8 p.m., Monday. (Hennessy-Bagnoli, TALLMADGE, 330-376-4251.)
Please sign the guestbook at www.ohio.com/obituaries
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Kafka
Sponsored by a friend who knew Matt as a child, when he use to come over to swim.. May God be with the Kafka's..
Sarah Kafka-Kovacevich
September 10, 2021
Dad wrote this poem 5months after you passed. I don´t know how I missed it. Resharing in case anyone needs it. I know I did. Now You and Dad are probably having a ball up there! Love and miss you so much.
Shell
September 9, 2021
I think of you so often, I wish you were still here. For some reason you are w me everyday?! There has to be a reason, I see your face, I can hear you, I ran the trails after you were gone. We weren´t even close at that point. But you were w others. And I knew after. You really were an amazing human. So many years later I think of you. More than not. Hakuna Matata
Amanda M Herndon
August 6, 2020
Hakuna Matata forever!!!!
Amanda M Herndon
August 6, 2020
I still love and miss you so much Matt!!! Till we meet again.....
Shea
July 24, 2020
Thank you for being my friend and always protecting me , thank you for your love bright green eyes I will never forget you , how can I when you’re often in my dreams , catching me when I’m falling off of a cliff . And of course my heart bleeds for your family as I pray for Gods comfort, and peace within our hearts our souls , always on my mind , love with prayers continue to this day . Seems like yesterday we were swimming at aunt Pammy’s ! Sure do love you and your family, I sure do love that you are with Jesus, I can feel the peace you dwell in love . I will always love you and I miss you !
Your sister in Jesus,
Love always
Shea “
Dan Conley
November 4, 2018
Dear Matt, I thought of you yesterday and telling some friends about you. I never forget how you was always so happy and uplifting. Hard to believe it's been 16 years now. Looking forward to seeing you in heaven. Catching up on all the good times we had growing up. Praying for your family.
Donna Kafka
October 5, 2018
I am especially missing you these last few days, Matt, for so many reasons. It will always be a sad time for us around Oct 3, so we do our best to continue on without you. However, I am so very thankful and blessed that your life, your love for your family and others, influenced so many lives in so many ways. I truly hope each life you touched was changed for the better.
I will miss you until we meet again.
Love, Mom.
October 1, 2018
Listening to your songs this evening. Your picture is still in my living room. Lucky me to see that smile every single day. i still live by certain words you said and conversations we had that made me smile. Still think of you and dancing in the living room with your lamp. Just today I told a story about you helping me with my car. You still live in all of us. And we still love you Hakuna matata my friend.
Leslie Taylor
October 7, 2015
Even though it has been years, I still think of Matt and his family during this time. By brother, Nathan Taylor graduated with him at Tallmadge Highschool and I was just a few years behind (class of '97). I never really got to know Matt personally but i remember Matt's contagious smile and positive energy. He would always go out of his way to say hi. My brother shared fun stories of running track with him. Time may pass but individuals like Matt are never forgotten. His memory and spirit live on. God bless.
August 16, 2015
You were such a positive spirit and light to anyone who had the honor of calling you a friend. No matter how much time passes, your old friends still think of you and pray for you. Hakuna Mattata, Matt.
October 3, 2013
I miss you greatly my brother .I'll never understand and my birthdays are always bitter sweet but I love you .thanks for watching over me these 11 years .
October 3, 2013
11 years later and I still think of you always. I miss you just as much as I did then. I am so greatful to have known someone who had such an amazing impact on so many lives. You were a wonderful friend to so many. Love you and miss you Matt.
October 2, 2013
has it really been that long that I havnt seen that smile? what a huge personality...to big to ever leave my hear. I know he is still smiling. I can feel his positive spirit everytime I speak to him in my heart
October 1, 2013
It's that time of year again. So many memories. So many friends. So much love, and tears. So nice to know Matt is still remembered fondly. He's never far away...he's in our hearts.
Robert Lintner
September 29, 2013
Hey Matt, just wishing I could call you up. I miss you buddy.
sarah firth
July 4, 2013
as I'm looking over these messages... goodness, what an encouragement! how many lives Matt had an impact on. so thankful to all who haven't forgotten him. may his life continue to go on, be a better person, and influence others to Christ. thank u for bringing back the awesome memories. sill hurts, but again to hear the "good" is always uplifting.
Terrell
July 3, 2013
I went to high school with him. He was good guy that I hardly knew. I remember he said harsh words in 7th grade when we were in middleschool gym class after I made our volleyball team loose with my clumsy and slow responses. He never forgot and in our senior year, close to graduation, came up to me in the cafeteria and looked me in the eyes and apologized for what he said 5 years prior when we were kids. I remember that moment perfectly from the painted pale blue cafeteria wall beside us, the chatter of students in the background to the dark maroon shirt he was wearing. We even shook hands. I was speechless. I told him thank you with the most amazed look on my face. I had forgotten all about it until he reminded me. I may not have known him well but he was a good guy.
October 15, 2012
10/03/02--Hard to believe it's been 10 years. Thanking God for His goodness.
Mom
August 16, 2012
I dreamt of you all night last night. I cant help but you feel you are still here with me. I thank God for that Miss you more than ever, even 10 years later.
charles reed
July 31, 2012
Hey Matt this is charlie, yeah it;s me. I know it's been ten yrs. I wish i had the guts to visit you, i ride by all the time. I just know how life was when you where here in the body. You walk with me everyday and i can't express how much u still mean to me. May all your family's dream's come true, oh' say hi to my brother for me i know u guy's r having a hella time(c u again one day promise)
Class of 95
April 4, 2012
Still think of you often...You are not forgotten...Hakuna Matata
January 13, 2012
My heart aches today. Missing you Matt.
August 15, 2011
I have sat here reading the many many wonderful things people have written about Matt.I remember the fun, laughs, times with not only Matt but his family.
One of the most amazing things about Matt was how he shared his testimony with not only loved ones, but with strangers. He had a love for his Saviour,Jesus Christ.
David Lintner
March 18, 2011
The Kafka family has always been a great family and friends with my family. Matt was always close friends with 2 of my brothers. The Kafka family is always in my prayers.
Missy Smith
October 11, 2010
Matt, thought of you today.
September 6, 2010
Matt, I'm missing you today.
Beth (walker) Lancianese
September 6, 2010
I thought of you today Matt, as I often do. I miss you so much. It's hard to believe that after all this time it still hurts so much. Loving you always
June 5, 2010
Its been over 7 years and the loss of a great friend hasn't gotten any easier. matt was one of a kind thats for sure. I went to high school with matt and we became very good friends. After school we both went our seperate ways but always ended up running into eachother and talking as is we still talked everyday! thats a great friend! really miss him thats for sure. i think about him very often!!! still miss you just as much as the day you left us!
October 19, 2009
Response to the latest entry.....
You are SO RIGHT! Matt now has absolutely NO WORRIES! He's in Heaven, looking down, encouraging us from above to keep running on, God's way. That's what Matt would want you to do. He loved so many so much! He TRULY cared about each and every one of you! and I'm so proud that his life blessed so many.
Thank you for connecting with us and not forgetting Matt. We will always miss him! I can't believe he's been gone from us for 7 years now, but he'll always be with us in our hearts. He trusted Christ as his personal Saviour when he was 13 years old and knew God's promises are true! I'm so glad I'll get to seem him again one day! I hope you will, too!
Please call or stop by...I'd love to share fun memories of Matt with you.
Matt's mom, Donna
330-958-4177
October 18, 2009
No Worries
October 12, 2008
With all the people that have passed away in these last 6 years, there is still not one person that has affected me like you. I still miss you, and think of you often, I really wish you were still around to see my kids, they would have loved you. I miss you humor, but I will never forget it either.
Mike Diaz
January 16, 2008
Today, out of nowhere, you popped into my head. I thought I'd come back and let you know that you haven't been forgotten. Love ya like a brother.
Rich C.
November 30, 2007
Hi Matt, I can't believe it's been 5 years. I know I'm only 1 of probably hundreds of friends, but as time has gone, I understand even more that when friends and family members pass, they must be needed in heaven to be taken from us, especially at such a young age. Your friendship and personality were infectious, and I still won't forget you, and the few instances we hung out. I feel very blessed to have known you and have you watching over us all as a guardian angel. Only God knows how many people you have met since leaving this earth, but I'm sure they all love you the same. Keep smiling, and God Bless!
Kathy Anderson
October 11, 2007
I've been missing my own son, Michael, so much, since he and his wife recently moved to another state. Then, when I got an email notification that another entry had been left in Matt's guest book, and I read through once again these beautiful words left by his family and friends I realized how very blessed I am that I can still pick up the phone and call my son, or get in the car and drive those 8 hours to see him! Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I would like to once more send my heartfelt sympathies to the entire Kafka family. I know Matt still lives in your hearts every second of every day.
October 4, 2007
ITS BEEN 5 YEARS AND IT STILL SEEMS SO FRESH IN MY MIND. YOU WERE A GREAT FRIEND AND COULD ALWAYS MAKE ME SMILE. I REMEMBER THAT BIBLE YOU WOULD ALWAYS CARRY AROUND IN SCHOOL AND NO MATTER WHAT PEOPLE SAID YOU DIDN'T CARE. YOU WERE STRONG IN WHAT YOU BELIEVED. I'M SURE YOUR WATCHING EVERY MOVE WE ALL MAKE. SOMETIMES I FEEL YOU ARE STILL HERE. I WILL SEE YOU AGAIN!!
nana
October 4, 2006
Butch, Donna and Family: thinking of you.
There is always a rainbow after the rain...There is always confort after our pain...There is always an answer to our prayer...There is always someone who will care.
a Kafka Cousin
July 27, 2006
I still think about you almost every day. I miss your smile and your laugh. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
August 9, 2005
HEY-
JUST THINKING ABOUT YOU TODAY ON YOUR BIRTHDAY. AS I STILL HEAR PEOPLE SAY MATT WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. HE WILL NEVER BE FORGOTTEN BY ME EITHER.
Mary Nicolino
March 5, 2005
Hey Matt,
I know that you are gonna read this and I miss you alot. I wish that i would have been able to hang out with you at all the bars i was so excited to see you and stuff but you know i still can cause i know that you are always there i love you and miss you.
Donna Kafka
September 27, 2004
Matt,
It will be 2 years on Sunday since you went to Heaven.
Your absence is felt every single day.
You are loved and missed by so many.
Please keep cheering us on with your great cloud of witnesses---we need it.
Love Always, Mom
May 16, 2004
I was thinking of you last night and just smiled. You are so very missed and always will be. My memories of you always make me happy, thank you for that.
Amy Baroni
December 6, 2003
I was just thinking of you matt and just began to smile. I thought I could come here and just write whatever came to mind cause I know you'll read this and know how much your missed.
December 5, 2003
God Bless you Matt from somebody who has not forgotten about you and who thinks about you every day/night. I will forever love you and miss you!!!
Anonymous
December 3, 2003
It's hard to imagine it's already been a year since this tragedy happened in the Kafka family's lives. Please know that Matt's smile will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you always and forever more.
A friend
October 20, 2003
It's been a year, but yet feels like days. I think of you all the time and I wish my son would of been able to meet you, he was just a couple weeks old when you left us. I know he would of just loved you, and you him. Know that I think of you often and I want to raise my son to be just as sweet and loving and caring as you were.
I miss you.
a friend
October 3, 2003
Wow, it has been a year. Half of me misses him so much that it feels like he just left us yesterday. The other half of me, the half that still can't believe he's gone, feels like it has been 10 years. No matter how long it has been, I will never miss him any less or think of him any less than I do now.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family on this day and every other.
Jennifer Bader
September 11, 2003
Matt, it's almost been a year and I so dread the day to come. You were such a wonderful brother and friend and are missed so very much! There are so many things I'd like to say to you still. Losing you has hurt us so much, but we KNOW you are in Heaven with God and life is truly good. I, too, miss your great smile and your contagious laugh. Please watch over us all down here-we love you and miss you very much. I only wish my sons could have grown up knowing you and what a great Uncle they had. Ryan still remembers the last time he was with you and you caught that big fat toad and put it in his hands at Mom and Dad's house. I remember you just cracking up at his high-pitched squeel from him not wanting to hold it! You just kept laughing...so many more memories should have been made. Please know that you are greatly loved and missed. We will see you again when we get to Heaven-save me a spot by you!!
Love always,
Jen
Amy Baroni
May 8, 2003
I met matt about five years ago, he was dating my twin at the time. Boy he used to make me laugh all the time singing Venus 55 with the lamp pole in his old house. He just made me happy. He could bright up your day by just looking at you and saying Hakuna Matata. I don't think in my whole life I could have as many devoted and loyal friends as matt had. He was an inspiration to me and to everyone he embraced upon. I shall miss his long walks and talks we would take one weekend nights and just seeing my sister as happy as she can be. Thanks Matt for everything. Love Amy Baroni....
John G. Kafka
February 18, 2003
Matt,
It's been almost five months since you left us. Son it hurts so badly, we miss you so much. We know you are in a better place, but it seems so premature. I don't Know if I will get through this and your mother is grieving so much I fear greatly for her. You left this world the same way you lived your last few years-living on the edge. Your family knows you have a good heart-I pray God finds it pleasing. The hardest thing I have ever experienced is seeing you laying there slowly passing from this world and not being able to do anything to change that- having no control.I am glad you stopped to see me the sat. before your death. I know that for several years I treated you harshly but you know it was because of the way you were living- I was trying to get you to wake up and re-discover that golden quality man that was hiding inside of you. That last sat. we were able to tell each other that we loved one another. Son, even though there were many times that I didn't like the way you were living, I always loved you and always will. I miss your quick wit and pleasing smile. I miss your bear hugs. I miss all that you may have been. You had such promise and now that is all gone. Do me a favor and watch down on your Mom and sisters and brother. Help them to find peace. I have written you a poem, it's from my heart, I hope it doesn't sound stupid to you.
We had four children, lights of our lives
For them to have more of these things we strived
Love, honor, respect and success would be good
But singly most important, Love of GOD
They each grew up uniquely in their own way
One left us early, having lived too few days
To those that thought they kenw him he was happy and bright
But his ending decried the first, regarding the second they were right
He had humor, good looks and strong body its true
But he was much more fragil than anyone knew
Those that loved him will miss him its clear, true friends, his family but mostly his mom
As his dad I loved him more than my life- though often between us was tension and strife.
But life is about others, not ourself
Look outward, be of service, this type of life will stock your shelf.
I ask those that read this and find their lives vain
To calls us or visit- let us help with your pain.
My son is in heaven- his race is done
Yours is still here and may just of begun.
Matt, I Love You. DAD
Dan
January 26, 2003
My deepest sympathy goes out to Matt's family and friends.
Although we didn't spend much time together, the time we did spend was nothing but fun. It seemed like we knew what the other was thinking, and always had a step ahead of the other... naturally, you won more times than I.. and look, you won again, you beat me to heaven.
The night "LL" introduced us was long ago.. and yet tonight was the night "LL" shared the sad news with me. I didn't get up that way often enough to share more and more of those laughs, but I can assure you one thing.. there will be a day, we share those again. God Bless...
Michael Diaz
November 23, 2002
I just heard about this the other day from a friend. I'll miss you Matt. The nights at Brubaker's and Panini's in Akron were the best. I'll always remember the good times. I'll see you when I get there. RIP
Pam Tucker
November 22, 2002
Sorry to hear about Matt. God be with your family until you all can meet again. Call me anytime 330-644-8473. Love you guys.
A Dear Friend Who Misses You So Much
November 2, 2002
I know that time is moving on and yet I still can't seem to forget. I don't want too. I was Matt's girlfriend at one time and though when he passed away and I wasn't his girl at the time I still wish I could have been there for him. You know we would talk about everything. Even if I had to wake up at 4am we would stay up till 2am and talk and I wouldn't care because I loved listening to everything he had to talk about. One time he asked me to drive to Texas with him and without thinking we left that next day and though it only took us 23 hours to get there I didn't care because I was with him. I will miss you so much Matt. I will miss your smile, the warmth of your hugs, I will miss everything about you. I know that you are in a better place, sometimes with all of the chaos here I wish I were with you. I can't wait to see you on the other side for a never-ending journey. I love you Matthew and I will never forget you.
Monica Jackson Robinson
October 17, 2002
Sarah,
My sister Melissa(Reploeg) told me of your brothers passing,I am so very sorry. I am very close to my brother and could not even begin to imagine the loss you are feeling. I've been reading these letters and they must give your family comfort,knowing what an impact he had on so many people and how much he loved, and is loved in return. May Jesus wrap His loving arms around you,Sarah!
In my prayers,
Jason and Lori Galloway (Goffee)
October 17, 2002
We are very sorry for your loss. God Bless.
The Reploeg Family
October 17, 2002
Dear Kafka's ~
We heard about Matthew today and we just want you to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love,
Eric, Melissa, Whitney, & Kimber
Amy Karabaic (Reardon)
October 15, 2002
Matt was a truely genuine person, loved by many. My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Kafka family. Matt will be greatly missed!
Greg Louk
October 12, 2002
with deepest sympathy
Greg Louk
Joni Britt
October 12, 2002
To Matt's Family- All of you had the privilege of being blessed with Matt's presence for his entire life. I had only a short time with Matt. He had become a very good friend to me over the last year. He was the kind of person that had a respect for others and always wanted everyone to have a good time. I only wish I had more time to get to know him, and I know that I will meet with him again someday.
Samantha Wahl
October 11, 2002
Matt was someone whose smile could light up a room, his laugh was contagious, and he always made you feel special. Hakuna Matata, Matt - We'll miss you.
To the Kafka family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you through this difficult time. Have comfort in knowing that Matt will never be forgotten.
Shirley Anderson
October 11, 2002
Dear Kafka family,
I know I have only met Mrs. Kafka & Sarah once, but through Tiffany, I feel I have known you for at least three years. I know the pain of loosing a child. I just want you to know that I am praying for you all as you go through this difficult time.
Praising God for Heaven!
Mrs. Shirley Anderson
Texas Baptist College
Tiffany Callihan
October 11, 2002
Kafkas,
I am very sorry for you. Wish I could be home during this time. I know Matt is happier than ever before...THANK GOD FOR HEAVEN! Praying for you!
Love to all--
Tiffany
Jennie & Bill Brown
October 11, 2002
Donna & Butch our prayers & sympathy are with you and your family.
Amber May
October 11, 2002
My prayers are with you and your family
Veronica Fuentez
October 10, 2002
First I would like to say, my deepest sympathy goes out to the Kafka family. Matt was a wonderful and beautiful person. Like others had said, he definately had the ability to light up any room. His care-free spirit touched the lives of so many people. I personally had the priveledge of dating and living with Matt and let me tell you, there was never a dull moment with him, which made being around him so great and so much fun. If you were ever down he would just smile and say his favorite quote, "HAKUNA MATATA!" Matt always had a special way of cheering you up and making you smile. One of the great things Matt was known for was that contagious smile, he was never without it. In fact, whenever I would see Matt there was no need for words. All you had to do was make eye contact with him, and as soon as you did, his whole face would light up and all you would see was that warm, friendly smile, which instantly made you smile back. He was a wonderful greeter... you know, with that wonderful smile, that silly little Matt Kafka dance, and a great big hug, along with his original laugh. Matt was loved by all and will be greatly missed, but his presence will never die!
For he will always be in my heart. I will cherish the moments we shared together forever, and you'll always be in my thoughts and prayers.
Matt I love you and I will miss you dearly!
hill
October 10, 2002
my dear matthew so many loved you as a friend, ill allways love you as a brother, how priveledged were we to have shared so many times with you. youll allways be my super man, hakuna matata hun, see you when i get there i know youll still be smiling.
Tara Freund
October 10, 2002
I do not know a single person that met Matthew that wasn't affected by his entire ora. No matter what he was feeling if he knew that you were not in the highest of spirts he would go out of his way to bring you up. He was a great person who would always leave you smiling and maybe even shaking your head at his outragouesness. I feel honored to have known such a unique and loving person who was so loyal to everyone around him. I hope that he realized or at least now realizes how much people loved him. Matt I hope that you have found peace and I know that when I get there you will make me smile again. I will always remeber your laugh and and will think about you always. My deepest sympthy to the family, and to John you know you can always come to the girls. Love ya Matt!
Hakuna Matata
Bonnie Weirich
October 10, 2002
Dear Donna,
After reading all the lovely messages that have been posted, I hope that the thoughts and prayers of those who cared so much about your son will be a comfort to you and your family.
Our deepest sympathy,
The Weirich Family
Matt Whitworth
October 10, 2002
Deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers to Sarah and the entire Kafka family. Matt will be missed, his spirit will never be forgotten.
Erik Yamokoski
October 10, 2002
My dearest regards to the Kafka family on such a tragic loss. Matthew was a wonderful and caring young man that was well loved by many. He will definately be missed and I will be keeping Matthew and the family in my daily prayers. Love ya, miss ya and I'll see you on the other side Matt!!!!
J Lane
October 9, 2002
the memories of Matt are never ending. a friendship not even five states could break, him coming to visit, but i always knew when i came home he'd be there. it wasn't easy finding him when you were looking for him, but he would just pop out of nowhere when you least expected it. i am grateful having known him. he would of given the shirt off his back for anyone, like when he gave it up for my only tattoo. i'm sorry Matt, i wasn't there... you'll never be forgotten!
Sarah Woofter (Crawford)
October 9, 2002
Matt had the ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world. With his warm smile and big hugs, his zest for life was contagious. I feel honored to have called him my friend. My deepest sympathies to the Kafka family.
Julie Forejt
October 9, 2002
Matt made everyone feel like his day was made when he met you anywhere, and he'd express his joy with a huge smile and even bigger hug. His smile will never be forgotten by me and so many others. My sympathy and prayers to his family.
Jamie Dolan
October 9, 2002
To Matt,
You have made some of the hardest times in my life so much easier for me. You have not only been a friend to me but an example of the kind of person that we should all be. You never backed down from a challange and you always went after what you have wanted. You were the one who kept me going in high school when no one else could. I love you and will miss you deeply.
To the entire Kafka family,
You are the most fortunate people in the world to have had a person in your lives and your family like Matt. He had so many friends, and not because he did what everyone wanted him to do, but because he was himself and was never ashamed of that. My sorrow and prayers go to you all. Jamie Dolan 97 THS Grad
Janine Schach
October 9, 2002
To all who knew Matt:
I met Matt four years ago through his friends, Ryan Propst & Michael Manuselis. My memories of Matt will always bring a smile upon my face. Mike, Matt, & I once met to go see a late movie ... we went to see "The Fast & the Furious" ... after the movie, we watched in the parking lot, a young kid imitate the racing. He drove over a curb and flattened his tire ... and kept on going. Matt & I laughed so hard ... he gave me this huge spontaneous hug ... The Matt I remember always had that smile for me ... he's in Heaven, smiling. I know it. My heart goes out to all of his family members and friends.
LINDSIE HINER
October 9, 2002
MATT WILL BE MISSED BY MANY. THOUGH IT HAS BEEN A LONG TIME SINCE I WAS GRACED WITH HIS SMILING FACE, HE TRULY IS ONE WHO COULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU ALWAYS.
joanie yuhos
October 9, 2002
Dear Donna and family
My prayer and thoughts are with you at this time. No words can express my deepest sympathy for you all.Though you may be parted for a while you shall be together again! I pray you find comfort in that!
Love in Christ
Joanie
October 9, 2002
There are no words that I cna think of to descibe what Matt was to me. I loved him more than I ever thought I could. He had a way of lighting my life up and I will miss him terribly. He would do anything if he thought it would make me smile but all he had to do was be there. I will miss him greatly but will love him forever. Thanks for showing me how to love agian Matt.
Mike & Martha Rubino
October 9, 2002
To the Kafka Family,
Our deepest sympathy goes to all of you at this most difficult time. We pray that this brings your family closer as you now have your own angel in heaven watching over you.
Becky Baroni
October 8, 2002
As I sit infront of my computer and stare at it for the past 1/2 hour trying to find the best words to say. So I will start off with saying I do want to send my condolences out to the Kafka family during there struggle through hard times right now, but most of all I wanted this letter to be to my dear but not forgotten friend. For the past few days all I have been able to do is cry because all I do is remember the good times I had with Matt. As I read each and everyone of these passages in this guestbook you are all right he was a great person who was so full of life and love. But I do want to tell you this Matt cuz I know your Biz is reading all of these - You made such a difference in my life. I know we fell out of touch the last few years but I never thought in a million years it would have come down to this- I still don't want to think it's true! I guess I am still wanting to see your face one last time- your smile! I will miss you so much Matthew. Everyone is saying Hakuna Matata!!! I want to say this to you Matt- "I Cross My Heart" and "You are my Venus 55"
Mark & Janelle Cuva
October 8, 2002
Our thoughts & prayers go out to the Kafka family. Matt was a great person, who always had a smile on his face. We will miss you Matt.
Judy Olson
October 8, 2002
Never Ready to Say Goodbye
We're never ready to say goodbye
To someone we hold dear.
If it were up to us,
We'd always keep you here.
But God has reasons of His own
And plans we do not know,
And these are always for our good,
Though it may seem not so.
Our arms are empty, and our hearts
Are filled with tears and grief,
For we who loved each day with you,
Now find those days too brief.
Yet if only we could heaven see,
We'd know you're happy there,
And we would never call you back
When such great joy you share.
And so we'll trust you to God's great care
And know some day, once more,
We'll hold you to our hearts again
When we reach heaven's shore.
Saralyn McAfee Smith
Donna and family... My heart aches for you ... I can only imagine how you must feel now. You're in my thoughts and prayers and I know your faith and trust in our Heavenly Father will help sustain you.
John Goforth
October 8, 2002
We will continue to pray for the Kafka Family who are good friends and members of Victory Baptist Temple.
John & Sandra Goforth
Freind
October 8, 2002
You will be missed dearly, Matt! I know you are smiling down at us.
Hakuna Matata!
Teig Colgrove
October 8, 2002
Matt,
I only wish I could've been there as your voice of reason. You brightened my life with that beautiful smile. You lived eighty years worth of life in only twenty five, sucking every last bit from your time. I love you.
Teig
John and family,
I am so sorry for your tragic loss. I wish there were words or actions to help ease your pain. If I can do anything for you or you just want to share Matt stories, please email me. I would be honored. [email protected]
My deepest sympathy, Teig
David Yatsu
October 8, 2002
My deepest sympathies to the Kafka family. Matt was a great, warm, fun person. He will be missed.
Gloria, Jim, Julie and Jeff Morrison
October 8, 2002
We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Our condolences to the family.
A Friend
October 8, 2002
Kafka...you're probably getting a kick out of how many times I've had to start over on this thing, so I will stop trying to be clever and just get to the point! I will miss your smile, your hugs, your infectious energy, bumping into you in the most random of places, and of course...seeing you in those overalls! At last you have found Hakuna Matata! All my sympathy to your family.
friend
October 8, 2002
I cannot find the proper words to express my gratitude to Matt. Recently, someone I love was struggling and I was worried that he would not make it through. But Matt saved him with his strength and love. Thank you Matt for giving life back to someone so special to me. I just wish to God that we could have kept you in our presence longer, but your smile and compassion will be the source of strength for many people forever.
Sabrina
October 8, 2002
John M. & Family
My heart felt sympathy goes out to your entire family! Please call if you need anything; you have the number
Allison Allen (Rubino)
October 8, 2002
Matt will always have a special place in my heart. He touched the lives of so many and made so many of us laugh. My deepest condolences to the Kafka family and to Matt's many friends. My prayers are with you.
Katie Nicolino
October 8, 2002
My deepest sympathy goes out to the Kafka family. I have known Matt for many years and he always brought a smile to my face and warmth to my heart. I will always love and miss him. Hakuna Matada means no worries and he no longer has any. He is in a better place now looking down on all of us. He is truly an angel.
Julie Battistuta
October 8, 2002
Sorry to hear about your loss,may God bless and keep you through your greif. Julie
Murphy Moore
October 8, 2002
I had the honor of knowing Matt for five years and it was great. He always made every event a fun time. Everybody who knew him will miss him greatly. My deepest sympathies.
October 8, 2002
Matt loved people with a wild abandon. Hopefully he now can feel even 1/10th of the love that he showed all of us. May God watch over your family and Matt during this difficult time.
Dottie Foster Turner
October 8, 2002
John, Donna, John, Jenny & Sarah ~ I was so saddened to learn of the loss of Matt and the pain you are going through at this time. May God draw you near and close to him during this very difficult time. Matt had a special way of touching the lives of those he came in contact with during his lifetime. May your memories of Matt help comfort you during this time and in the years to come.
With Love,
Bill & Karen Ward
October 8, 2002
When an incident of this magnitude occurs in a small town community, we are all profoundly impacted, regardless of where we relocated. We are devastated. Each and every person who knows Matt will cherish memories which each shared with him in a special way. Those memories will leave a lasting impression in our hearts. Matt's legacy lives on in our hearts and minds. His spirit is eternal.
Our love and prayers go to the Kafka family on the loss of their son.
Hugs and kisses, Bill & Karen
Missy Smith
October 8, 2002
I remember that each time I saw Matt, he made me smile. He was a special guy and he will be missed. To his family, you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Jackie Rensel
October 8, 2002
My prayers and deepest sympathy are with you.
Jimmy Salaheddine
October 8, 2002
Matt, There is so much I want to say, but there is nobody to say it to that would care like you would, Matt I miss you man, and I wish I could talk to you right now, but I can't, You will always be in my heart forever..... love Jimmy!!!!!
(P.S. Matt when you read all these notes buddy give me a sign you got mine!!!! I love you man.)
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