04/24/2019 - Matthew Nicholas Schmaljohn

Memorial services for 27-year old Matthew Nicholas Smaljohn of Gillette, formerly of Chadron, will be Thursday April 24, 2019, at 10:00 am  at First Lutheran Church in Beach, North Dakota, with the Rev. Roger Dieterle officiating.

A vigil will be held Wednesday, April 23, at 7:00 pm at Silha Funeral Homes in Beach, North Dakota.

Matthew Schmaljohn died in a automobile accident near Gillette on his way to work on Tuesday, April 16, 2019..

Matthew was born on his mother's 26th birthday, November 25, 1991 in Chadron, Nebraska. He was raised in Chadron and in Gillette, Wyoming. He received his education in Chadron and in Gillette where he graduated from Campbell County high school with the class of 2010. He had recently moved back to Gillette and started a career in truck driving for Kissack Water and Oil. Matthew had goals in mind and was attaining those goals when he was taken.

Matt loved to fish as a child and as a adult. You would often find him with a fishing pole In hand. Matt also loved frogs, turtles, dogs, cats and all of God’s animals. He had a special dog named Little Foot and a beloved cat named Poge whom he loved.

Matt was a faithful and loyal friend caring much about people, especially his mother and grandmother. He had his share of problems and overcame them. He was faithful to his God, was a much beloved son and grandson. His family is very grateful for the gift of Matt. He made our lives much richer.

There is simply no way to sum up or put into words all that Matthew was or accomplished. He was a precious gift; to his family, friends and the world. We are blessed for having known and loved him. And we are blessed for having been known and loved by him. Love never dies.

Matthew Nicholas Schmaljohn was preceded in death by his maternal great grandparents.

He is survived by his mother, Machelle Curl and step father Rob Curl, his father Michael Ralph Schmaljohn, his adopted dad Richard Zapel; his grandmother Sharon Dietz; and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.