Matthew Blankman
Matthew Richard Blankman
January 11th, 1985 – March 14th, 2024
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for Matthew Richard Blankman for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. It was an honor for me to learn about Matthew and help his family and friends pay tribute to his life. He will be dearly missed by many.
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Matt is home now in the loving embrace of our Lord in heaven. His journey is complete. He is reunited with his father, Jeff, and his big brother, John. He is surrounded by love.
And while the broken pieces of your heart will never quite be the same, know that Matt would not want your heart to be troubled. May you find comfort in sweet memories, may you find peace in the ways you find him to still be a part of your present, and may you find hope in being reunited with him some day in the kingdom of God.
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A few short months ago, many of us gathered to celebrate the life of Matt’s brother, John. This seems surreal. How could this be happening? We don’t want to be here. We don’t want to be doing this. For Matt to suddenly be gone, too, it doesn’t make any sense. There is no way to comprehend this amount of devastation. The struggle to understand what happened and the desire to find solace will forever be part of your journey onward. You all have a shared pain and are wishing in the depths of your souls that things could be different. It is an overwhelming burden to bear.
Be kind to each other and gradually learn to not seek answers but acceptance.
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Matt’s 39 years went by way too quickly. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, it is an absolute blessing to have had Matt present on this earth for almost 4 decades. His time here and his time spent with each of you was a precious gift. May you be ever grateful for the gift of Matt’s presence in your life. Look to the good times. Learn the lessons. Live on with the faith that in some way he will always be with you.
Matt was born January 11th, 1985, in Racine, WI. He grew up and attended schools in the Eagle and Mukwonago area. He also lived in Dallas for several years. He graduated from Hillcrest High School in 2003 where his teachers considered him a gifted student. He furthered his education and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Construction Management. He worked as a Senior Estimator/Project Manager at Mathison Manufacturing in Waukesha.
Matt had many interests including BMX bike racing. He was an avid BMX bike racer in Southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois. He was sponsored by Humpal Sporting Goods which was his grandparents’ business in Rockford, IL. Matt won a trophy at the BMX Grand Nationals in Oklahoma City, OK. Recently, he attended motorcycle racing school in Las Vegas, NV and enjoyed cruising on his crotch rocket.
Matt inherited a loved of music from his father. Matt created techno music and was known as DJ Tektane.
Matt loved the lake life and, following his purchase of the home on Eagle Spring Lake, he pursued his life-long passions for fishing, swimming, and snowmobiling. He also developed a love for gardening.
Three short years ago, Matt met Jaci, and the couple fell in love. Their lives were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Marlayna Sue in November 2021.
Marlayna was the biggest star in Matt’s world. He adored his beautiful 2-year-old daughter and was completely devoted to her. He loved taking her out on the pontoon, teaching her how to fish, and cruising the lake. Marlayna and Daddy went on walks together, played with the dogs, read books, and grocery shopped. Matt cherished every moment of this precious time. He always called Marlayna “sweetheart” and told her, “You’re so pretty!” He was Marlayna’s hero and always will be.
Matt was a true standup guy. He was always willing to lend a hand to family and friends. Everyone who knew him trusted him. He will be dearly missed by all.
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There are so many stories to tell and memories to relive. Please, share the memories, share the love in the days and years to come so that Matt’s legacy may endure.
Matthew Blankman will be forever missed by his mother Linda, stepfather Gary, daughter Marlayna, fiancé Jaclyn, stepson Theo, stepsisters Lindsey and Eden, Uncles Richard, Cliff, Peter, and Lawrence, and their families, nieces Hailey, Ariel, Jasmine, and Giselle and their mother Noel, many cousins, and a wide circle of friends.
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John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die.”
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Matthew Blankman, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly
