Matthew J. Taylor

Matthew Jay Taylor, 41, passed away on April 25, 2023 in Milwaukee, WI. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, June 11, 2023 at McLaren’s Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines with visitation from 1:00 p.m. until service time. To view a livestream of the service please visit www.mclarensresthavenchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hayley's educational fund at Hayley Taylor UTMA.

Matt was born on September 5, 1981 in Akron, OH. Shortly after his birth, he moved with his family to West Des Moines, IA where he spent his youth. Matt attended schools in West Des Moines and graduated from Valley High School in 1999. Lifelong friendships were built during his youth and he was dedicated to keeping his friendships alive.

Matt enjoyed traveling with his family. At the early age of 7, Matt learned how to ski at Winter Park, CO and went on to spend many years skiing in Snowmass, CO. In addition to skiing, Matt loved the water. During his youth he traveled with his family to Sanibel Island, FL and spent time at his grandparent’s lake home in Minnesota. Matt enjoyed building many sandcastles, eating baskets of shrimp, and catching toads and fish. Matt attended “Y” Camp in Boone, IA for many years and loved the “Y” Camp community. He continued this connection as a camp Leader. Matt was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church and the Grace youth group. He traveled with the Grace Youth Choir and with the youth group as a volunteer for communities in need. After graduating from Valley, Matt was accepted to the University of Iowa; his dream had come true. He was also a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity. Matt completed his education at Upper Iowa University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Matt always remained a passionate Iowa Hawkeye fan, which is putting it mildly. Most Hawkeye games ended with a call to his dad (whom he called his best friend) to replay the entire event.

At the age of 32, his daughter, Hayley June, was born. Matt was an active father, dedicating his time and all his love to her. He enjoyed watching her perform at her dance recitals, weekly softball games, and all school activities. They had the opportunity to experience musicals, travel to the beach and enjoy the water on Lake Geneva together. Hayley was the most important person in his life.

Matthew is survived by his beautiful daughter, Hayley June Taylor; parents, Bruce and Jeanne; sister, Jaclyn and nephew Will; two loving grandmothers, Pauline Haworth and Shirley Taylor; many aunts, uncles and cousins; dear friend, Jennifer Wallace, whose love and friendship meant the world to him. He is also survived by his former wife and mother to Hayley, Kelly Blecke Taylor.

Matt is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Frank Haworth and Harold Taylor; and his Aunt Barbara Davis.

Matt, we all love you and miss you. You will forever be remembered and treasured. You were the best!