Birth date: Jan 19, 1974 Death date: Jun 19, 2024
Matt and I were friends from high school and then we went our separate ways. I regret recently not getting back in touch with him. I feel particularly sorry for his kids for whom this seems particularly disastrous. He was a fantastic and jovial guy. I, and many people, will miss him.
I was very fortunate to work with Matt when he was a manufacturing engineer in Des Moines Iowa. Matt had many talents and abilities. Not to many individuals would attempt to rollerblade the entire ragbri.
Matt left great memories to all he knew. My condolences go out to Matt’s family.
I’m sure Matt is making friends in heaven.
R I P my friend
Matt and I had many conversations of when the Greenway connects from Huntersville to Charlotte , we were going to Rollerblade to town !
I am deeply saddened by this news. My heart goes out to the Donovan family and his children that he spoke so fondly of and their new successes as they are becoming amazing young adults .
Matt loved to rollerblade. He proved it multiple times by doing RAGBRAI (an annual bike ride across the state of Iowa) multiple times. John got a great picture of him while on RAGBRAI in 2012. Unfortunately no one got a picture of him hitching rides every now and then when he was tired on vehicles!
He was the same out skiing in Colorado. He giggled with joy when I told him my daughter likes to bomb runs like he does. All he had to say was "Oh goody! Someone new to race!"
We are so sorry for your loss Donovan family. We will miss him dearly.
John, Steph, Alyssa, & Josh Reddersen
This isn't the best picture of us, but I think Matt wouldn't mind. Since 1993, he's always been ready to take care of me or make me laugh. My picture is from when my parents and I were stranded late at night at the airport in Charlotte. He quickly picked us up and hosted us the entire next couple of days.
In college, he declared himself my brother to protect me from inappropriate attention and became part of my family.
Any friends who know Ben Wiley, I'm his sister. Sweet Matt approached me to make sure I would not be mad at him if he pledged Ben at Adelante. I've loved watching the community these guys developed. Miss you Donovan!
