Matthew Judd WALBAUM

WALBAUM, MULLEN, OGAZ

Posted By: Sarah Thorson Little (email)
Date: 5/12/2015 at 13:01:40

July 15, 1972 --- February 25, 2015

Matthew Judd Walbaum, 42, lost his courageous 2-year battle with cancer on February 25, 2015, at the Hackensack University Medical Center, New Jersey, with his family by his side. Celebration of Life services were held in Kearny, New Jersey, and Tustin, California.

Matthew was born to Eldon and Sharon Walbaum on July 15, 1972, in Cedar Falls, and in infancy moved with his family to Dows. He graduated from Dows High School in 1990 and from Waldorf College, Forest City, In 1992. Matthew then enrolled at Iowa State University where he joined the Phi Kappa Tau fraternity. In 1997, he received his degree in education and moved to southern California to begin teaching in the San Bernardino school district. On July 3, 2005, Matthew was united in marriage to Lauren Mullen. To this union, two beautiful boys, Noah and Micah, were born. In 2012, the family moved to Secaucus, New Jersey. Matt and Lauren became active members of the Calvary Chapel of Kearny. Recently, Matt was proud and honored to be one of twelve men chosen by the church elders to participate in an 18-month discipleship that, sadly, his illness did not let him complete. It is evident that Matthew impacted many people in different ways. To many, he was a school teacher, but he also found a way to teach in every instance of life by example and practice. To others, Matthew was a friend. He had the ability to be genuine and well-liked by everyone who met him. To his family, Matt was love; he was completely devoted to them. To his children, Daddy was awesome – a natural father who shared so much with his boys. He will forever be loved and missed by them. To his wife, Matt was a best friend. They shared a love that will continue into eternity.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Lauren; sons, Noah, 8, and Micah, 7; his parents, Eldon and Sharon Walbaum, Dows; sister, Tricia; brother-in-law, Tom Ogaz; and nephew, Devon Ogaz, Highland, California; and countless friends and family.

Wright County Monitor - Clarion, Iowa
March 19, 2015