Matthew "Funk" Van Muyden, the son of Roger and Judy (Gerritsen) Van Muyden, was born on December 18, 1977 in Fort Dodge, IA. Matt passed away unexpectedly Wednesday, June 5, 2024 at the Windom Area Hospital at the age of 46. He attended Elkton Elementary School for 3 years before moving to Heron Lake, MN. Matt developed a love for football and played running back for his high school team prior to his graduation from HLOL High School in 1996. Matt then continued to play football after high school for an adult semi pro league until he was 25. In addition to football, Matt raced B mods for several years. Matt and his companion and love of his life for 25 years, Alaina Paplow, were married on December 17, 2022 at First Lutheran Church in Dundee, MN. He was employed as a diesel mechanic for the last 25 years and most recently worked at Fest Transportation in Heron Lake. He was a huge Vikings fan, and loved camping, ice fishing, 4 wheeling, snow mobiling and spending time on the pontoon with his family and friends. But most of all Matt loved his sons with his whole heart and was excited about becoming a grandpa in October. Matt lived life to the fullest, and as he would say “If you’re not 2 steps from death than you’re not living”.

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Survivors (at the time of passing) include his wife Alaina Van Muyden of Okabena, MN; 2 sons, Morgen (Izzy) Van Muyden and Skyler Van Muyden both of Okabena, MN; father, Roger Van Muyden of Inman, SC; mother, Judy Graft of Jeffers, MN; siblings, Roger Van Muyden JR. of Nezperce, ID, Karen Van Muyden of Greere SC, Dave (Micki) Van Muyden of Minneapolis, MN and Jeff Van Muyden of Windom, MN; mother-in-law, Shelia Paplow of Dundee, MN; brothers-in-law, Cory (Lisa) Paplow of Lakefield, MN and Brannon (Margo) Paplow of Truman, MN; aunts uncles, cousins and many friends. He is preceded in death by his grandparents, John (Donna) Gerritsen and John (Elizabeth) Van Muyden, uncles, David Gerritsen, Steve Gerritsen and Gary (Linda) Gusler and father-in-law, Wayne Paplow.

 

Services
A visitation will be Monday, June 10, 2024 from 4 to 6 PM with a celebration of life service to follow at 6 PM at the Heron Lake Community Center. In honor of Matt please wear Minnesota Vikings attire to the visitation and service.
Official Obituary from Totkze Funeral Home