Menu
Menu
The Grand Island Independent
The Grand Island Independent HomepageObituaries SectionSubmit an Obituary Matt Blair
DIED
October 22, 2020
Matt Blair was a former outside linebacker for the Minnesota Vikings who was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.
We invite you to share conodolences for Matt Blair in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
We invite you to share conodolences for Matt Blair in our Guest Book.
Read Full Obituary.
Published by The Grand Island Independent on Oct. 22, 2020.
MEMORIAL EVENTS
No memorial events are currently scheduled.
GUEST BOOK
72 Entries
Alishia
November 18, 2020
VAYA CON DIOS TO A LEGENDARY FOOTBALL PLAYER TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! DUDE #59 FROM , EVERYONE AT BYRON'S BAR AND GRILLE RESTAURANT ........... KINGS 1:11:22:01-1:11:22:51 ...............
ERIC ALAN MATTHEWS JR
November 14, 2020
ENJOY , A TERRIFIC WEEKEND TO A LEGENDARY FOOTBALL PLAYER TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! SIR #59 CORINTHIANS 1:11:20-1:11:34 ???????????????????? TUTALI RYDALI TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! BROTHER
HANNAH MADELINE BRICKLEY
November 13, 2020
ENJOY , A SUPER WEEKEND TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! #59 MY FRIEND YA'LL !!!!!!!!!!!!!! HOSEA 3:02 ............
JACKSON ROBBIE PASTRNAK JR
November 13, 2020
We are so sorry to learn this news Mary Beth. Matt was such a great guy. Humble. Considerate. Honest. Loyal. Generous. Spiritual. Just a great human being. It seems like yesterday we saw the 59 turns 59 in your front yard. Lifting Matt and your family in our prayers.
Gregg and Kim Hess
Friend
November 11, 2020
I , GOT MATT'S AUTOGRAPH WHEN , I WAS 7 YEARS OLD ........ SO , REMAIN IN TOUCH TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! BROTHER #59 PETER 22:03:22 ..........
DUSTIN MICHAEL BROKE
November 9, 2020
To the family, many, many friends, and fans to one of the greatest outside linebacker that was a six-time Pro Bowl selection. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with your dear loved one Matt Blair. May the God of comfort bless your grieving hearts with strength, loving kindness and peace as the world copes with the loss of Matt.
Tony
November 7, 2020
ENJOY , A WONDERFUL WEEKEND TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! SIR #59 MARK 1:08-1:11 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!
BRANDY SAVANNAH NEELY
November 6, 2020
HAPPY , HUMP DAY TO YOU !!!!!!!! BUT , MORE IMPORTANTLY KEEP IN TOUCH TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!! BROTHER #59 FROM , EVERYONE AT BYRON'S BAR AND GRILLE RESTAURANT ........... KINGS 1:06:15 ........... & PSALMS 23:01-23:90 ............
SIR THEODORE JOSHUA DETWEILER
November 4, 2020
AU REVIOR TO A LONG-TIME FOOTBALL PLAYER TO YOU !!!!!!!!!!!! SIR FROM , EVERYONE AT BYRON'S BAR AND GRILLE RESTAURANT .......... CORINTHIANS 1:11:13-1:11:34 ........... & PROVERBS 4:16 ............. #59
STEVE & TARA FALLON
November 3, 2020
I am a HUGE Vikings fan and got the chance to meet Matt and his wife during a craft show I attended. He had a display of his artwork and I was lucky enough to engage in a great conversation with him and found out how nice he was. I was torn between two pieces of his work and he said, "If you buy both, I will sign them both for you!" You can guess...I did purchase both pictures. He was a great football player but more importantly, he was a wonderful, thoughtful, and funny man. Rest In Peace, Matt. My prayers of strength go out to your family.
November 2, 2020
My deepest sympathy goes out to the family . May the true God comfort your broken hearts. For Psalms 50:15 says call and He will deliver in the day of distress.
November 2, 2020
Matt was my favorite Viking of all time. On my wedding night we put our hotel under his name so nobody would know what room we were in. He defined the art of blocking kicks. I will never forget his hardworking style.
Troy Amundsen
November 2, 2020
He's a really nice person and i'm going to miss him a lot
Angela Wood
Friend
October 29, 2020
He's a really nice person and I'm excited that I got to meet him in real life when I won $1000 a couple years ago.
I'm going to really miss him alot right now
I'm going to really miss him alot right now
Angela Wood
Friend
October 29, 2020
Matt you are missed. In coping with sorrow, a helpful piece of advice may be: don't hold back those tears and always remember those beautiful memories with lots of love.
October 28, 2020
My condolences go out to the family of Matt Blair. So sorry for your loss.
LeeRoy
October 28, 2020
I haven’t seen you in years but it was my pleasure to help out with your Celebrity Golf Tournaments and softball tournaments for second harvest. We had some great times putting these tournaments together. I will miss your caring for many people and such a great heart. Take care my friend.
Susan Perkins
Friend
October 27, 2020
Sending my sincere condolences to Mary Beth and the extended Blair family. Matt was a great friend at Iowa State, a super guy and a giant of human with a huge heart. What a life he was given and he lived it well. God bless and comfort all at his passing.
Faye
Faye
October 27, 2020
My Condolences To The Family;
I’m so sorry for your great loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this difficult time.
I’m so sorry for your great loss. May the God of all comfort be with you all during this difficult time.
October 26, 2020
The world lost a true gentleman. My deepest condolences to his family and friends.
Sara Van Eck
October 26, 2020
So sorry, I watched Matt as a kid I love the Vikings back in the day and he was great
October 26, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the Blair family for your loss. Matt will be missed by many. At this very difficult time, may the God of tender mercies comfort and strengthen you,
Mary
Neighbor
October 26, 2020
Matt Blair thank you for all your hard work as a player .Now you are part of the biggest pro bowl in the universe. May you enjoy your roster spot on God's football team. Love Dave Kappes
David Kappes
Friend
October 26, 2020
What a wonderful life may the God of love and tender mercies comfort Blair family in this hard and painful time.
October 26, 2020
Condolences to the family of Matt Blair. May the God of comfort and peace strengthen you during this difficult loss. He is resting in Gods memory.
JE Sowell
October 26, 2020
I am so sorry for your loss. Remember that God is a refuge and strength. He will help you during this time of distress.
PT
October 26, 2020
My condolences to a great athlete. He will be missed by family, friends and fan.
October 26, 2020
My first time meeting with a Psychic medium and I have to say, it's really worth it. It had been 6months since my husband left me without saying anything.All thanks to Dr Adoda I was able to connect with my husband again with his powerful reunion love spell and now he loves me more than he used to. Eternally grateful with The Great Dr Adoda! I highly recommend, His contact details ( http://dradodalovetemple.com )
Cyril Vivian
Spouse
October 26, 2020
Dear Family of Matt Blair, I am so very sorry for your loss. I met Matt Blair as a young nine-year-old who had won my school's Read-a-thon. Quite the book nerd, I was embarrassed to be given an award by a great football player, but Mr. Blair immediately put me at ease with his kindness and easy warmth. He was truly a good soul, a great man who could quickly empathize with children and make even the most shy feel important and worthy. My heart broke to hear of his passing, but I hope your family knows he touched so many people. I hope you find peace during this difficult time. Blessings to you.
Michelle Krueger
Student
October 25, 2020
So sorry for your loss Mary Beth. Always looked forward to volunteering with you and Matt Fridays at the Union Gospel Mission. They were great times. Loved Matt's football stories. He will be missed!
Eric Nikolai
Friend
October 25, 2020
My sincere condolences to Matt’s family. May the God of peace and comfort be with the family during this difficult time.
October 25, 2020
The world has lost a great man of excellence, passion, authencity. Thanks for the great memories of all of the times hanging out at the Ranch with you and your big dogs. In my heart forever.
Diane Grinnell
Friend
October 25, 2020
I´m from Va. I watched Blair play for my Favorite Team and I´m offering many prayers to family and friends.
Your memory will live on in the lives of so many! Robin
Robin H Williams
October 25, 2020
I'm so sorry to hear that may blair died he was the greatest person
Nancy Lovkvist
Acquaintance
October 25, 2020
I met Matt several years ago in Sioux City Iowa at a sports event at west High School and told him I had a brother named Matt, he asked me who was better looking. That was a great day for me.
Brad Blair
October 24, 2020
Matt Blair was larger than life. I was lucky enough to come of age during the greatest era of Viking teams (1968-1980) and always had a favorite player on offense and defense, when Chuck Foreman came along he was my guy on offense and when Matt Blair came to the team he was my favorite on defense. I had never seen a player with his instincts and athletic prowess. I was only lucky enough to see Matt play in person once (final game at the Met) but never missed a game on TV back then. It's amazing how many players of that era ended up settling in the area including Matt, I was lucky enough to meet a number of them while working a retail job in Mpls. About a dozen years ago Matt was shopping in the store and word spread quickly, I knew I might have only this one chance to meet him and I worked up the courage to approach him and have a short conversation, just wanted to thank him for the joy he brought to my life and how much I respected him as a man and player. I was just a nobody but he took the time to talk to me about those Viking teams, how Drew Pearson DID push off Nate Wright, and our shared love of snowmobiling. I'll never forget that. My condolences to the family at this difficult time. One also feels for coach Grant, it must be terribly difficult to see young men who played for you pass away under these circumstances. Rest well Matt.
Doug L.
Acquaintance
October 24, 2020
Godspeed to the Blair family
christopher burke
October 24, 2020
Matt Blair was one of the great players that helped put Iowa state university football on the map! An a great example of what a student athelete is all about! And a real gentleman!
Steven Mohr
Friend
October 24, 2020
Thank you Matt for all you for football and outside of the game. I saw you at the old Met when I was 9. Amazing memory. Thinking and praying for the family......
October 24, 2020
Our deepest condolences to the family. We pray that God continues to strengthen and comfort you all during this difficult period.
October 24, 2020
My sincere condolences to the Blair family. May the God of all comfort provide you all the strength to cope with your loss
TD
October 24, 2020
My sincerest condolences to Matt’s family! Im so sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful man and a caring individual. I enjoyed volunteering for him for a couple years for his Cities in School events. He always made it fun. He had the best laugh. He will always have a special place in all of out hearts! #SKOL
Susan Barth
Friend
October 24, 2020
I was blessed to have Matt as a student teacher at my Junior High. What a class act! The kids loved him! He treated us with respect, brought us to joy, and made us feel special. He was a highlight to all of us, we will never forget him!
Kevin
Student
October 23, 2020
I have been a VIKES FAN since 1965 AND by far MATT BLAIR is the best to play that position. Too bad those VIKING teams couldn't have played for ever. Those were the best VIKING YEARS EVER. RIP MR. LINE BACKER REMEMBERED as long as I live
Donald Crutchfield
October 23, 2020
Dear Blair Family Rory and I sincerely express our condolences's on the loss of Matt Blair.and may he rest in peace.best faith/rory
faith/rory tobin/dockett
Acquaintance
October 23, 2020
One of my all time Viking favorites. Extremely dependable at all times. RIP my man 59
Craig Gilly
Acquaintance
October 23, 2020
The NFL has lost an true legend. My deepest sympathies to the Blair family, may God comfort and strengthen all of you in your time of sorrow.
October 23, 2020
So sorry to hear about his passing. When I was a kid I pretended to be blocking kicks like Matt.
Jeff F
Acquaintance
October 23, 2020
So sorry to hear about Matt, Mary Beth. We send our deepest condolences. We’ll always remember the fun we had at all of the Matt Blair Celebrity Golf Outings and attending the Masters with him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Craig and Marilyn Nelson
Friend
October 23, 2020
I wish to convey my deepest sympathy to you, the family and friends of Matt Blair. May God give you peace and comfort during this most difficult time.
T T
Neighbor
October 23, 2020
Matt was a GREAT player & a kind person.
He signed a ball for my friend's dad.
He let me in his home & showed me some of his photos.
One heck of a kick blocker.
He had many amazing talents & touched many lives in a positive way.
I'm glad he's at peace.
He signed a ball for my friend's dad.
He let me in his home & showed me some of his photos.
One heck of a kick blocker.
He had many amazing talents & touched many lives in a positive way.
I'm glad he's at peace.
John Velek
Acquaintance
October 23, 2020
I knew Matt for 2 or 3 years while at ISU. The last time I saw him was after they played in the LA Coliseum back in the 70's. He was just as friendly as ever. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Mary Lou Bakker
Classmate
October 23, 2020
Goodnight, and Godspeed Matt, and thank you for sharing a part of your life with us, and the football memories. You are now renewed, and eternally reunited with family, friends and loved ones that have gone before.
Harry Simpson
October 23, 2020
I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to work with Matt both at the March of Dimes and at Special Olympics. None finer. He loved every challenge and everyone loved Matt. Matt thought big and enjoyed helping out in any way possible to make charitable events successful. The World will miss a wonderful human being that gave so much and asked nothing in return. Prayers to Mary Beth and Matt’s Family as he rests in peace. Proud to call you my friend.
Kathy Karkula
Friend
October 23, 2020
Matt was my best Friend Friend Did so many things for me and Family And one Greatest Vikes
Larry Hegna
Friend
October 23, 2020
So very sorry for our loss. Mary Beth and family, our thoughts and prayers are with you. Helen Dale (fellow photographer and friend).
HELEN Dale
Friend
October 23, 2020
Matt, from a fellow Cyclone, a life well lived
Grorge Roland
October 23, 2020
Simply the best! RIP matt
Bev
October 23, 2020
I met Matt Blair in 1985, His former teammate Fred McNeill & I both graduated from Baldwin Park High School in 1970 & Matt & I became very close friend there after. Fred has also passed due to Dementia but I am the only one left of us three. RIP Matt & Fred
Tony Lordi
Friend
October 22, 2020
Peace an love to my baby brother my hero
Anita Blair Williams
Sister
October 22, 2020
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Sadie Kyles
Significant_other
October 22, 2020
I met Matt in 1975 when Iowa state was recruiting me...... I then lived in Minneapolis where I saw Matt out and about often... always the respectful , kind giant of a person... always very nice and gracious... like many, I hate to see Matt leave us so early... RIP 59, and 47 at Iowa state ! We love ya buddy
Jon LAZAR
Friend
October 22, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cathy Harris
Friend
October 22, 2020
Star outside linebacker, who was a frequent Pro Bowl representative for the Vikes/NFC. And when I think of Matt's football career, that amazing blocked punt in Super Bowl IX always comes to mind! Matt's instincts/presence of mind, and pure talent, enabled him to make numerous key plays. Blocked punts, forced fumbles, and fumble recoveries were Matt Blair "specialties." Thanks for all of the terrific play and great memories, Matt. Rest in peace.
October 22, 2020
My condolences
Shannon Holley
Friend
October 22, 2020
RIP, sleep well! Peace be still.
October 22, 2020
Matt was a great football player at ISU and with the Vikings! I was fortunate to be one of his roommates off campus senior year at Iowa State. He was a gentle giant off the field and an awesome individual. He will truly be missed!
Gary Marske
Classmate
October 22, 2020
A wonderful man who shared his values and positive spirit with all. We are very grateful for having the pleasure of Matt's presence at several nonprofit events. He will always be our hero!
Karen Kitchel
Friend
October 22, 2020
Matt was the most generous man with his time and talents. Again and again he tried to help the charitable organizations that needed him the most! I admired and loved him!
Judi Blankenbaker (Deming)
Friend
October 22, 2020
I had the honor of meeting and working with Matt Blair with the Uptown Art Fair. The Uptown was honored to have Mr. Blair be our photography Ambassador. His still life’s were amazing. Mr. Blair had a warm smile and even warmer personality. I am shocked and saddened by his passing. Hugs to his beautiful wife and family.
Mary Trondson
Acquaintance
October 22, 2020
Rip matt. What a legend! I was so sorry to hear of the passing of him. My condolences to his family!
Lisa Thompson
October 22, 2020