Matt was loved by all! Where does one even start to talk about a life well lived . Born in Council Bluffs, Iowa to Robert and Chasta Stevens 69 years ago.
His life was full of love ,laughter, faith and hard work! He never slowed down, always helping people, always on the go, always going the extra mile. He worked hard and played hard.
Matt was a kind and generous soul. He gave of himself constantly and never grew tired of it. He loved his job, his co-workers and the companies he was privileged to work for.
Family and friends meant everything to him and he adored them all, Matt leaves behind his sisters Janice Karlson and Sheryl Manning from Colorado, along with his brother Rick Karlson. His younger Larry (Jon Boy) Stevens died in 2023.
Matt has 3 beautiful daughters Christy Swanson from Iowa, Becky Crafton (Tony) from Nebraska and Melissa VanderVelde (Andre) from Iowa, along with stepson’s Jonathan Baity (Samantha) from South Carolina, Brandon Baity (Indira) from Oregon and Sean (Bubba ) Baity (Erin) from Minnesota.
Matt was blessed to have a blended family that was full of love and awesomeness.He absolutely loved ALL his children and cherished the times spent laughing , grilling, eating and playing card games and just being in their presence.
Matt has 16, yup,16 grandchildren and a great granddaughter! Wow, that’s a lot of love! and he was thrilled with every single one. He was a very proud Grandpa and Pappy and cherished every moment with them.Trevor Matthew, Emma, Robert , Kaine, Lizzy, Lexi, Olivia, Hayleigh, A.J. Jaymeson, Miles, Lilly, Ambrose, Benjamin, Princess Edith , Luke, and Gracie. What a truly beautiful family he has.
Matt graduated from Lewis Central High School in Council Bluffs , Iowa in 1974 and lived there till 1993, until He moved to Central Florida with his wife Stacy .
Matt was often called the “grill master” due to the fact he loved to grill so much. You couldn’t keep that man away from the grill, even during intense chemotherapy he was out there grilling up a steak. If he wasn’t grilling he was watching cooking shows and getting ideas for the next meal, the man loved food and preparing it! I am sure Jesus has him at the heavenly grill!
He loved bourbon and poker with his round table buddies Tony, Paul, Mark ,and Marvin .
Matt was married to Stacy for 33 years but they met 53 years ago in high school. Their story is beautiful and divine. It would certainly make a great Hallmark movie. Their script would be full of intrigue, romance, joy, sadness , faith and the amazing story of how true love does overcome all obstacles and lasts into eternity.
Matt has so many friends that it’s impossible to name them all, but YOU know who you are! It is hard to find the words on how great this man was .From Iowa to Florida and everywhere in between he made his mark of loyalty and love.
We feel your absence but will be forever grateful that your presence made us so happy, and you will be missed everyday. Our hearts ache with grief ,but our hearts are filled with the love we have for you. Rest well in the arms of Jesus . Forever and always we love you.