Matthew Charles Behlke

We are so very sad that Matthew has gone to live in heaven. At the tender age of 40, he should be here with us for a very long time. Our hearts are broken and we will miss him forever. Matthew is survived by his wife, Mary, his 'little monster', Olivia, stepsons Michael and Adrian Strand, dog Queenie, Mom Roberta Behlke, Dad and Stepmom Tom and Judy Behlke, mother-in-law Luella Lawson, brother Ian and his wife Rachel, sister Holly and her husband Matt along with their children Olen and Inno. Matt leaves behind his Uncle Steve (Sheryl) Behlke, Aunt Ona (Elverne) Gustafson, Aunt Olene Bigelow, Uncle Floyd(Shelley)Hanson, Uncle George Hanson and many cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, John and Louree Behlke and Olger and Margaret Hanson, Aunt Julie Poisson, Uncle Orland Hanson, Aunt Arliss Hanson and Uncle Larry Bigelow. Matthew was an active child - much like his little monster. So many stories of him as a little one growing up, first in our little starter house in Crystal, then Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove and then Monticello. Matt was not a fan of school - right from the beginning. At one time, going to daycare became a real downer for him and he wanted to know why Mary Poppins couldn't come to live with us. When at a stoplight, a truck with an Iowa license plate was in front of us and he said "I bet those tests are in there!". IA basics were a source of great stress for him. He would sit and watch all of the cars drive by his elementary school and when he asked why we couldn't stay home, the explanation of 'everyone has to go to work and school' didn't fly as he pointed out that all of those people driving around were NOT in school OR at work. When Matthew moved to Monticello, his teacher in Maple Grove was very concerned for him. "He has the biggest, most tender heart". Of course, we already knew that. Matt loved dogs and cats. He had many over the years. Copper was his first orange cat. Screwball his second. Brandy the Irish Setter was constantly by his side. One day the service door to the garage was left open and the garage door was opened. We lived on Winnetka with very busy traffic. Matt was 2 years old. Walked outside and see him and Brandy at the end of the driveway on the sidewalk. Matt was talking animatedly to Brandy. Standing with hands on his hips, pointing out items of interest and talking away to her. She was intently watching him - I am sure she knew what he was saying. It was 2 year old gibberish to anyone else. Very carefully attracting the dog with the mention of treats and hoped he followed to prevent them both from running off into traffic. So many stories...I can't tell them all here. Matthew has been greeted by all of his pets at the rainbow bridge - absolutey no question. Matt started his career at Cub Foods in Monticello when he was 16. He changed his employer last fall - didn't go too far though - to Lunds and Byerly's. Matt loved to work - or he loved making money probably more so. Not unlike one of his uncles, he could pinch a penny and make Lincoln squirm. Fishing was his hobby of choice although he was never able to make as much time as he needed to be able to enjoy it enough. Olivia was his life. When she was first born, he wanted to stay home and just take care of her. He didn't want to go back to work. He didn't want to leave his little peanut - oh if life could only afford us those luxuries! Matthew was a wonderful son, father, and husband. Our lives have a huge hole that will never be filled. Matthew, we love you so! We will be holding a gathering to celebrate Matthew's life on Saturday, February 18, at 3 pm. Visitation begins at 2 pm. Please know Matt was a casual guy....dress in your Saturday clothes. He might even suggest come as you are which could be fun but we'll go with casual Saturday :-) We will have sandwiches, coffee, and some sweets following - roughly around 3:45. We hope that you can stick around as we want to be able to see each of you that are able to come. Services are at Washburn-McReavy, Glen Haven Chapel, 5125 W Broadway, Crystal, MN 55429. In lieu of flowers, please donate to https://fishingklinicsforkids.com/ OR your local Take a Kid Fishing program OR the charity of your choice. Thank you for your kind consideration. Missing You Always You never said I'm leaving You never said good-bye You were gone before we knew it And only God knows why In life we loved you dearly In death we love you still In our hearts we hold a place That only you can fill It broke our hearts to lose you But you didn't go alone A part of us went with you The day God took you home

Tributes

Matthew Charles Behlke

June 14, 1982 - February 7, 2023

Tributes

Matthew Charles Behlke

June 14, 1982 - February 7, 2023

We are here for you 24x7

Call us and get help now

(612) 377-2203