"Its sad to see a young person pass away so early in life. My deepest sympathy goes out to your parents, siblings and friends. Psalms 68:19, 20 May Jehovah God carry you through this time of sadness and may His wonderful gift of the resurrection inspire you to endure until, Matt, returns in the Paradise. "
In loving memory of
Matthew John Tindall
February 21, 1988 - December 25, 2013
Funeral service will be 1:00 p.m., Monday, December 30, 2013 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Burial is in St. Jacob's Catholic Cemetery, Graettinger. The family will greet friends from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the church on Sunday.
Matthew John Tindall was born February 21, 1988 in Emmetsburg, Iowa, the son of Jerry Tindall and Paula Smith. Matt attended Graettinger Community Schools and was a 2006 graduate of Graettinger High School. Following high school, Matt joined the United States Army. He served two overseas tours in Kosovo and Afghanistan where he attained the rank of sergeant E-5. Matt made many friends throughout his military career, and he loved the comradeship that he had with his fellow soldiers.
After his military service, Matt stayed active in the Iowa Army National Guard. He worked in several area manufacturing plants, and he was currently employed at Bobalee Hydraulics in Laurens, Iowa.
Matt was an avid outdoorsman enjoying golfing, fishing, hunting and taking trips to the Black Hills. He loved music, playing his guitar and playing Spiderman with his nephew, Wyatt. He was passionately competitive in everything he did in life. More than anything, Matt treasured spending time with family and friends.
On December 25, Matt entered into eternal rest.
Left to cherish his memory is his father, Jerry Tindall and step-mother Terry Murphy of Graettinger; mother, Paula Smith (Roger Erickson)of Spirit Lake; step-father, Ken Smith (Marsha Duhn) of Emmetsburg; maternal grandmother: Rowena Nelson of Clifton, Arizona; siblings: Nate Tindall, Tabby Murphy (David Torreson), Mike Murphy (Hailey Anderson), Bjay Smith (Michelle), Kierston and Rachel Duhn; two nephews: Wyatt Iwen and Garrett Smith; niece, Piper Torreson; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Art and Marie Tindall, Dale Nelson; twin brothers: Jacob and Joshua Tindall; cousins: Donald Zitterich and Ricky Tindall.
Tributes
"I saw this on Facebook about "Prevent Soldier Suicide" and as a mother of 2 sons in the military,my oldest being 1 year younger than Matthew,it scares me very much.My son has ptsd,and I hurt for you all,because I know the fragile state the mind is in,as I have it as well.My prayers are with you all and I am very thankful for Matthew serving our country to ensure that we keep our constitutional rights.May GOD comfort you all in a way none of us can.He was a very handsome young man and anything I can do at all to help,please feel free to contact me on Facebook..Janet Turner Johnson..Chesnee,S.C."
"My Condolences go out to Matt's Family, even though I never knew any of you. I did serve in the ARMY, from February, 1970 to October. 1971. I started out at Fort Ord, California for Basic and AIT, which for me was Cook School. I was Drafted and was more fortunate, because of being a Witness to a Fight in the Mess Hall, my Orders for Vietnam were cancelled and when they came to me again, after the Trial, they were for Fort Carson, Colorado. I was a Cook in an Artillery Unit on Base and during that time. I helped to feed 350-Soulder's there. I went Temporary Duty to the Savannah, Illinois Army Depot for 45-Days. I completed Active and Inactive Reserves, for a total of 5-years. Because of my Tour of Duty time, that is why I wanted to write to Matt's Family, to express my Condolences. I have attempted to help some people out indirectly by suggesting that they see any local help centers, working with PTSD, as well as for other related and non-related Health Issues. I also Facilitate a local "OCD" Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Support Group Meeting and I also attend a Bereavement Support Group and I am helping in a Leadership position for a local GriefShare Class Session, held at the Church that I'm a Member of and attend several Activities there. Please look up www.GriefShare.org and look up Daily Devotions and sign up to have them come to you. They are sent every Day, for 365-Days and in the bottom of each Devotion, there are suggestions of Scripture Readings. It is an Assembly of GOD Church and it's Sanctuary holds 3,000 plus in the Main Floor and Balcony of Seating. Anyway, take care until later, don't let anyone tell you to get over your Grief, it will happen when you were ready. This can be anywhere from a Week, to many Years. Please feel free to contact me for any other help. Peace, Blessings, Prayers and Friendship Hugs, Steve "Huggy Bear""
"My deepest condolences to the family of Matthew Tindall. May you find peace and comfort surrounded by your friends and family. As a citizen of the United States, I want to say "thank you" to this brave man, for fighting for our freedoms, Matthew. I know you are receiving this wrapped in the arms of angels."
"I'm so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your sons service and sacrifice. "
"So very, very sorry for your loss. Cherish the memories and good times. "
"I did not know Matt personally but I know and recognize his story. August 31st, 2013 my boyfriend lost his battle to PTSD and took his own life. I can relate to the feelings that your family are currently having and will pray for any type of peace. Please feel free to reach out if you need to, even if you just want to vent. I know it isn't easy, but you have a large support group and people who understand what you have been through. Much love. "
"I know there are no words right now that can ease the terrible pain you are in. I am so sorry for your loss!!! My heart just breaks for you! I believe our sons new each other. I lost my son Dillion Dec 2012 also after he had served time overseas with the Iowa Guard. If you ever want to talk ,or just need an understanding listener ,please feel free to contact me via email or fb and ill give you my phone number. Lisa Naslund- Galva Iowa"
"Dearest family of Matt, What does one say at a time like this? I only knew Matt a short while but he always had a smile on his face when we would meet. I will miss his wonderful voice saying "Hey Aunt Kay" when I come home this summer. Please know that my love and prayers are crossing the miles from Tucson to Graettinger to be with you all! My sincerest sympathies."
"I remember Matt's laugh. I am only 10 years old but i knew Matt well through, Ole (Chris). Matt was like a brother to me and he is always there for me. I wrote him a letter that I never got to him. One of the things that I remember about him was how much of a dare devil he was. I could go on and on about Matt."
"Paula, Jerry, and families, You have had to endure more loss and pain than any parents should ever have to experience. Although I have no words that will give you comfort at this time, please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please keep your faith and look to God for comfort. "
"I remember Matt well while we served together in Kosovo, he was always an energetic willing to help young man that loved his country and his family. He spoke of home with reverence in his heart. My sincere condolences to all his family and friends. 1SG Travis"
"I had the great pleasure of serving with and commanding Matt while in Kosovo. He was an outstanding Soldier, Brother, and all around great person. No matter how bad the situation was, we always looked back on it and could laugh and smile while discussing it with Matt. His upbeat attitude and dedication to the mission were a true testimony of his character. Matt will truly be missed, but his spirit will continue to be seen through those who have been blessed enough to know him. Gone too soon young man, but never forgotten. "
"Paula, our deepest sympathies for the loss of Matt. You, Nate and the entire family are in our prayers. May the God of comfort wrap His loving arms around you and your family. Much love in Christ,"
"My sympathy to the Tindall Family. Matt and I had a lot of childhood memories. We built a lot of forts together, played a lot of golf, and played a lot of pick up football games while we were growing up. He will definitely be missed. I will be in Vail, Co this weekend through next week, so I will not be able to attend his funeral. I will be offering up many prayers and thoughts. God Bless him. "
"i deployed in 2010 with matthew tindall but before that he was my sgt and he was always smiling and taught me alot ill never forget him and im so sorry "
"Matt was one of a kind. Special place in my heart and soul for this young man as well as a special place in heaven for the soldier that he was. We loved to compare ink and talk about bands and concerts. I will FOREVER miss him and so sorry we never got to see "that" concert! Wish I had pushed him more to go! Love ya boy!"
"matt you were my son thomas's bestie, you two were brothers from another mother I swear they were always thinking the same thoughts.Tom was always looking forward to spending any time he could with Matt and couldn't wait till he would return home and pick up right where they left off. I always said Matt should be a GQ model he was such a good looking kid and that smile always made my day! I am so sorry for his family,he will be missed so very much,may God be with you all. "
"Matt always lit up the room with his smile and his hugs were always tight. Rest peacefully my friend, you were truly one of a kind and you will be missed by many. I pray the Lord wraps his loving arms around his family in the days, weeks, and months ahead. I will not be able to make services but know I will be thinking of you all and praying with you."
"Matt's contagious smile and laugh was a blessing to me and all that witnessed it. He was a kind man who would do anything for anyone. May God wrap his loving arms around his closet friends and family during this time. I rejoice in the fact that you are at peace now, Matt. Love, "Mama B""
"Jerry, Ken and all the Tindall family, our sincere sympathy. We enjoyed any contact that we had with Matt. We are leaving to go see family in DC tomorrow so will not be able to attend his funeral, but will be thinking of you and offering a prayer for you & for Matt's soul"