Matthew Gelles was born on April 19th, 2000 in Traverse City, Michigan. At only 23 years young on June 6th, 2023 we lost Matthew after an accident at his work. There are not enough pages in the world to express how much he meant to the people in his life.

It's bittersweet to know that the last few years Matthew was with us were some of his happiest days. Sparked by his girlfriend and best friend, Abigail Bregy. Matthew and Abigail were inseparable, together they loved exploring the nature of Northern Michigan. Whether it was finding a new recipe to cook up for Abigail to taste test, or teasing her with his smelly work clothes, Matthew did everything with Abigail and with his whole heart. He loved her deeply.

To his parents and grandparents, Matthew was the freckled and chubby-cheeked child, who would always make a silly face in his photos. He grew into a more quiet teenager, finding love for baseball, golfing with his dad and grandfather, fishing, and exploring the woodland that surrounded him with his brother, Daniel. Matthew even became a champion of raising and showing swine projects at the Northwestern Michigan Fair through the 4-H program. With this new found confidence, Matthew grew into a young adult who was always there to help, and never forgot to tell his mom, "I love you" at the end of all their conversations.

To his older siblings, Matthew was the competitive younger brother to beat in a game one day, if they were lucky. The free-spirit sibling who always had a sinister smirk when he was about to say something outlandish. The brother who we would come for guidance because we knew we could trust him. A pack of 4 close brothers who could rely on one another, whose hearts will forever feel a quarter empty.

To his younger siblings, Matthew loved offering guidance, a proud older brother seeing them start their steps into school and sports. Matthew was looking forward to getting closer to them as they grew into adulthood.

To his friends - from high school, 4-H showings, his various jobs, his softball team who affectionately called him "Birddog," and anywhere else he could find them - he was their fly-fishing companion, a golfing partner, and someone to share a drink around a campfire. He was the goofy voice always making them laugh no matter the circumstance or situation.

Matthew left this world surrounded by the people who loved him, who will carry his memory and warmth with them in their hearts forever. His time with us was cut short, but his impact will be eternal.
We love you and miss you Matthew.

Matthew was preceded in death by his Grandmother Bridget "Grandma Cozy" Coccia. Matthew is survived by his father (Daniel Gelles) and stepmother (Samantha Sklar), his mother (Dinah Hardy) and stepfather (Jim Feeney), his Grandfather (John Hardy) and partner (Becky Odinga), his siblings (Eric Dezelski, Evan Dezelski, Daniel Gelles, Isabelle Gelles, Isaac Gelles, Sophia Gelles, Mason Gelles) and his step brothers (Rutger Feeney, Declan Feeney, and Cassius Feeney).

In lieu of flowers or any donations to the family, the family instead asks if you would like to make a donation, please make it to the Livestock Council Program for the Swine Program (PO BOX: 134, Grawn, MI 49637, checks can be made out to NWMI 4-H Livestock Council) with the message of "in honor of Matthew Gelles". The family feels 4-H and raising pigs helped Matthew grow into the man we all loved and would like to see other families have the same opportunities.

A public gathering will be held from 4-7pm on Monday, June 12th, 2023 at the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home. Please dress in casual attire and in Matthew's favorite color light blue. After services any friends and family are welcome to join us to celebrate Matthew's life at Blue Tractor.

For more details: www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com