!!LIVED AS HARD AS HE LOVED!!
In Loving Memory Of
Matthew “Funk” Van Muyden
Matthew John Van Muyden, the son of Roger and Judy (Garritsen) Van Muyden, was born on December 18, 1977 in Fort Dodge, IA. He attended Elkton Elementary School for 3 years before moving to Heron Lake, MN. Matt graduated from HLOL High School in 1996. He played football, where he was a running back. Matt continued playing football after high school for an adult semi pro league until he was 25. Matt also raced B mods for several years. After 24 years of living together in Okabena, Matt married his love Alaina Paplow on December 17, 2022 at First Lutheran Church in Dundee, MN. He was a diesel mechanic for the last 25 years and most recently employed at Fest Transportation in Heron Lake the past year and half. Matt passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the Windom Area Hospital at the age of 46. He was a huge Vikings fan, and loved camping, ice fishing, 4 wheeling, snow mobiling and spending time on the pontoon with his family and friends. But most of all Matt loved his sons with his whole heart and was excited about becoming a GRANDPA in October. Matt lived life to the fullest, and as he would say “If you’re not 2 steps from death than you’re not living”.
Survivors include his wife Alaina Van Muyden of Okabena, MN; 2 sons, Morgen (Izzy) Van Muyden and Skyler Van Muyden both of Okabena, MN; father, Roger Van Muyden of Inman, SC; mother, Judy Graft of Jeffers, MN; siblings, Roger Van Muyden JR. of Nezperce, ID, Karen Van Muyden of Greer, SC, Dave (Micki) Van Muyden of Minneapolis, MN and Jeff Van Muyden of Windom, MN; mother-in-law, Shelia Paplow of Dundee, MN; brothers-in-law, Cory (Lisa) Paplow of Lakefield, MN and Brannon (Margo) Paplow of Truman, MN; aunts uncles, cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, John (Donna) Garritsen and Leonard (Elizabeth) Van Muyden, uncles, David Garritsen, Steve Garritsen and Gary (Linda) Gusler and father-in-law, Wayne Paplow.
Services
A visitation will be Monday, June 10, 2024 from 4 to 6 PM with a celebration of life service to follow at 6 PM at the Heron Lake Community Center. In honor of Matt please wear Minnesota Vikings attire to the visitation and service
We design every page from Matthew’s 30 photos. Make it yours, then order a copy for everyone who loved Matthew.
Family milestones in gold, history for context
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Gone but never forgotten
Your first grandbaby was born November 7th., 2024. Lainey Mattie is a beauty. You would be so “over the moon” in love with her. I hope you visit and watch over her for her entire lifetime. I know we are all wishing you were here with us. Missing you every day. ❤️🩹💔
'Dad' and I🥰
This was one of our last nights together but it was an amazing night! We played darts, laughed, had drinks, and of course we danced to our song for the very last time and I will forever cherish that moment🥺🤍
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Our wedding dance
Sunday foot ball
Mancave
Sunday Mancave
He Always wished he had a better voice
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