Thomas Matthew Carlson

Thomas Matthew Carlson, 32, passed away on October 15th , 2023, in West Des Moines, Iowa.

He was born on June 24, 1991, in Denver, Colorado to John Carlson and Mary Beth Cassidy. Matt was

the middle brother to two sisters. Growing up in Colorado, Matt lived an active lifestyle and excelled in

all athletics, especially soccer and snowboarding. He loved the Colorado mountains and racing down the

slopes any chance he could get, from a very young age on. When Matt was in grade school, his family

moved to Des Moines, Iowa and he went on to graduate from Dowling Catholic High School. While

attending Dowling Catholic, Matt was a member of the Varsity Soccer Team and along with his

teammates, earned a state championship. He was so proud to be a part of that team. Matt’s passion for

soccer fueled him to continue to play collegiate, division I soccer at both Drake and Western Illinois

University and he finished his college journey by earning his bachelor’s degree and graduating from the

University of Iowa.

Matt was the most genuine, kind, and loving person. He lived life as he wanted to, but most importantly

with the biggest and most compassionate heart. His mission was to put kindness into the world every

day and he undoubtedly accomplished that; changing the lives of many friends, family, and strangers

because of his heart of gold. Matt had a great sense of humor. His big grin let you know when he was up

to make you laugh; he made many laugh daily. His laugh filled a room and his love radiated for his family

and friends. He always thought of others before himself and was a listening ear to those who needed

him the most. Matt’s niece and nephews adored him. He spent countless hours wrestling, chasing, and

laughing with them; he was the best uncle in the world. He was the best son, brother, and friend too.

Matt was simply put, the absolute best. He was also competitive to his core; anything athletic came

naturally to him. He completed the Des Moines marathon and many half marathons, making them look

easy; Matt loved to run. He was a passionate man and had many other things he loved: dogs of any kind

(Old English Sheepdogs were his favorite), the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Denver Broncos, the Colorado

Avalanche, candy (he had the biggest sweet tooth) and frequenting Chinese restaurants with his sisters.

While Matt had some silent struggles, we ask you all to remember him fondly and honor his legacy daily

by living each day to the fullest and pouring kindness into the world. He made anyone who knew him a

better person and our wish is for this mission to live on with love.

Matt is survived by his father, John Carlson, sisters, Claire Carlson, and Ellen (Nate) Oxenford, niece, and

nephews: Ayla, Benny and Jack Oxenford, along with several cousins, aunts and uncles. He was

preceded in death by his niece, Emersyn Smothers and mother, Mary Cassidy, who was waiting for him

with the largest and longest embrace. His death was also preceded by his grandparents: Richard and

Barbara Carlson and Thomas and Rita Mae Cassidy. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Matt’s

honor to the Association of Catholic Mental Health Ministers, to the Furry Friends Refuge, or to Dowling

Catholic High School.

Matt’s services will be on Thursday, October 26th at 10:30 am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in
West Des Moines, Iowa with a luncheon gathering to follow. A private burial will be held on Friday, October 27th.