Matthew 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