Matthew Ryan Ganther

Matthew (Matt) Ryan Ganther, 47, passed away suddenly due to long standing medical conditions at Olathe Medical Center on March 10, 2022 surrounded by his mother, father, and step-mother. Matt was born on November 9, 1974 in Kansas City, Kansas and raised in Olathe, Kansas. He was a lifelong resident of Olathe and was educated in the Olathe Public Schools, graduating from Olathe South High School. He also pursued some college classes. He was baptized into the Lutheran faith at Trinity Lutheran Church in Lawrence, Kansas.

At the age of 17, Matt was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, which led him down a rough physical life. In spite of this diagnosis, he lived a full life and dealt with the treatments and side-effects bravely and with dignity. He was strong until the end.

Matt loved all sports, and participated in Olathe youth baseball for many years when he was young. He also played baseball informally with his sister, dad, other family members and friends. In later years he watched and attended professional games when he could.

Matt was a great fan of the Royals and Chiefs locally as shown by his huge collection of hats, t-shirts, hoodies and pictures of many players. More recently, he enjoyed spending his free time going to museums, the Zoo, and Lego Land to name a few. He also enjoyed bowling and playing golf.

Matt loved bright and vivid colors, so colorful clothing is welcome at the visitation and service, as well as black. He loved heavy metal bands, and was especially fond of Celine Dion (a supporter of CF) whom he personally met and had his picture taken with several times. He also personally met and had his picture taken with Ricky Rocket, drummer of Poison, being thrilled at that opportunity.

Matt is survived by his mother Karen Ganther, father Ken Ganther, step-mother Jean Dexter, sisters Jennifer Ganther (Adhiraaj Gupta) and Stephanie Kester (David), aunt Carmen Hocking (Michael), uncles Steve Ganther (Kathy) and Steve Bamber (Veronica), seven cousins, many nieces and nephews, and one great niece.

Contributions to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation are appreciated, if desired.

Visitation will be Thursday, March 17th, 6-8 pm at McGilley & Frye Funeral Home, Olathe, Kansas, followed by a funeral service the next day Friday, March 18th at 12:00pm, and a brief burial service at the cemetery.