Obituaries

Matthew J. Carpenter

August 17, 1987 - March 17, 2024

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Obituary For Matthew J. Carpenter

Matthew James Carpenter, age 36, was born on August 17, 1987, and left us on March 17, 2024.

Matt was a pillar of selflessness among his friends and family, and he was an exemplary role model. His dedication to his family was demonstrated by the time he spent making celebrations memorable. For his children's birthdays, Matt ensured there were unique activities his children could enjoy and remember for a lifetime, and that there were many people to enjoy the festivities with them. When Matt spent time with others, there was an atmosphere of revelry and joviality. His commitment to others extended to friends as well. He readily offered help to others, and often used his considerable resourcefulness and myriad of skills for the betterment of those around him.

Matt grew up with the goal of becoming a mechanic, and he accomplished that goal working at Penske. He spent his off hours taking on challenging side-work, often for those he cared for. Those closest to him benefited from his presence. Matt’s laughter still rings in our ears and we'll carry it in our hearts forever.

In Matt’s free time, he enjoyed riding motorcycles, a pastime he inherited from his family, and playing video games. His magnetic personality pulled in those he interacted with, and he made friends all over the world. Matt would organize motorcycle rides across the state for his friends and acquaintances and traveled across the country to meet and spend time with his guild-mates. He went to great lengths to deepen connections with everyone he came across.

His altruism extended to his service for his country. Matt served in the United States Marine Corps and deployed to Iraq in 2007 where he put his burgeoning skills to use for his fellow Marines and his country. He excelled in his role as a police sergeant at an entry checkpoint in Fallujah. Matt’s creativity for solutions, flexible thinking, and tenacity to accomplish the mission earned him a certificate of commendation for his time in Iraq. He later deployed on a Marine Expeditionary Unit, which allowed him to travel the world. Matt visited Japan, Australia, Thailand, and the Philippines. This time was spent teaching troops of allied nations how to conduct military operations in urban terrain–a skill Matt and his fellow Marines sharpened to a fine and lethal point during Iraq and their training before their deployment.

Matt lived more in his 36 years on Earth than most do in a lifetime. He was a dedicated father, husband, friend, and Marine.

He is survived by his wife, Krystal; daughter, Madison; son, Zachary; father, Brian; mother, Barbara; sisters, Jennifer and Brianna; nephews and nieces, Jayden, Oliver, Meghan, and Aurora who will miss him dearly.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Road, DeForest, WI. Visitation will be held from 12:00 P.M. until the time of service. Military Honors will follow.

Following the service at the Funeral Home everyone is invited to join the family at VFW Post 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Rd, Madison, WI., for further celebration of Matt’s Life.

To view and sign this guestbook please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250

Services

23 Mar

Visitation

12:00 PM - 03:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - DeForest / Windsor 6924 Lake Road DeForest, WI 53532 Get Directions »
23 Mar

Celebration of Life Service

03:00 PM - 03:45 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - DeForest / Windsor 6924 Lake Road DeForest, WI 53532 Get Directions »
23 Mar

Military Honors

03:45 PM - 04:00 PM

Ryan Funeral Homes - DeForest / Windsor 6924 Lake Road DeForest, WI 53532 Get Directions »
23 Mar

Gathering of Family and Friends

05:00 PM

VFW Post 7591 301 Cottage Grove Rd Madison, WI 53716 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • March 22, 2024

    My deepest condolences to the family and many friends that Matthew touched along his journey in life. May he rest in peace.

  • March 22, 2024

    On behalf of Penske, we extend our deepest sympathies to the family & friends of Matthew Carpenter. Matt was a valued member of our Madison branch team & will be greatly missed. Please know that our thoughts are with you during this difficult time, and we are here to support you in any way we can. Matt's contributions to our company and community will not be forgotten.

  • March 21, 2024

    Matt, we met you through my brother in law at one of his bbq's. You were the kind of person who left an impression that you don't forget. Our friend family will definitely not be the same without you. Your smile, laugh and jokes and personality will be greatly missed. I know we will find comfort in each other reminiscing about you and missing you at the next bbq. It definitely won't be the same without you. ❤️ We are sending your beautiful wife Krystal and your beautiful babies and all of your family members hugs , love and condolences during this time of loss. ❤️

  • March 21, 2024

    Our deepest sympathy to all the family of Matthew who have suffered such unspeakable loss. May you find comfort in each other.

  • March 20, 2024

    Krystal and Family, So sorry for your loss. We will keep you all in our prayers. RIP Matt, Thank You for your service. Edward and Renee Alvin - Beaver Dam

  • March 20, 2024

    I'm very sorry for your loss. Matt was a close friend of mine when we were very young, and I have too many memories to count of us growing up together that will never fade away. Although we went our separate ways as we got older, I was always proud to see him serve his country as a Marine and serve and provide for his wife and kids as a husband and father. He will be greatly missed.

  • March 20, 2024

    So sorry for your loss. He was a good man.

  • March 20, 2024

    Sorry for the loss! Matt was a great pool player and awesome mechanic! RIP BROTHER!

  • March 20, 2024

    Matt, we hadn't gotten to see each other for a few years, but I wish I could have told you I was proud of you. You truly became such a great person and grew so much. So many of my high school memories have you in it. I am so grateful I was able to know you and call you my friend. I hope you're in a place of rest and healing now.

  • March 20, 2024

    We love you Matt!You will be missed. We will miss your easy smile, your jokes, your fun personality your hugs,and seeing you with your beautiful kids. Krystal ,we are here for you and the kids ,whatever you need . Love aunt Kathy and Uncle Dave.

  • March 20, 2024

    One of my first ever friends. So many fun and cool childhood memories. Just a great person, and liked by everybody that knew him. My whole family will miss him greatly. So much love and support and good wishes to his entire family during this very difficult time. .we're thinking of you all. Rest peacefully my friend.

  • March 19, 2024

    We are so sorry for your loss, we hadn't seen Matthew in years. We'll always remember that smiling mischievous young man. Brian, Barb, and families we're loving you from afar.

  • March 19, 2024

    The world has lost a wonderful human. Matt, you are supposed to be at my house Saturday morning. You will be dearly missed by so many. The price of loving someone is painful when they are gone. My deepest sympathies to your family and friends. Fly high.

  • March 19, 2024

    My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of Matt.

  • March 19, 2024

    You were a great son, I was very proud of the things you did. I am going to miss you everyday.

  • March 19, 2024

    I'm so sorry for your lose! Everyone's lose!

Tributes

  • Red and White Floor Basket

    Red and White Floor Basket was sent for Matthew J. Carpenter - March 22, 2024

  • Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket

    Caren Plosila sent Enduring Spirit Pothos Basket for Matthew J. Carpenter - March 22, 2024

    So sorry for your loss Prayers for you and your family Jim Hurst and Caren Plosila

  • Heartfelt Memories

    Heartfelt Memories was sent for Matthew J. Carpenter - March 21, 2024

  • Sacred Duty Spray

    Sacred Duty Spray was sent for Matthew J. Carpenter - March 21, 2024

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what our families say

Tiffany Foster went out of her way to fulfill all my requests, talked me through problems I was facing, and tried to make me feel as comfortable as possible when I was a wreck, totally crushed, and I thank her with all of my heart for that.

James S. | July 2020

The professional manner of the staff made a difficult time a little easier.

Lynda R. | July 2020

Services provided for both parents were perfect, on time, and no issues. Brenda is awesome and strong!

Michael M. | July 2020

Skyler was absolutely amazing. She was so caring and helpful through this whole process. She even went above and beyond to meet with us in DeForest and even to make a stop at our home to drop off or pick up anything needed. While it was a small gesture, it was so helpful and greatly appreciated.

Brooke S. | Dec. 2020

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