Matthew Stephen Young

Matthew Stephen Young

Cedar Rapids

Matthew Stephen Young, 53, of Cedar Rapids, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully from a cardiac event on September 15, 2024. Matt was a beloved husband, father, son, brother, and cherished friend whose presence touched the lives of many.

Matt was born on November 15, 1970, in Cedar Rapids, the son of Charles and Marcia Young. He graduated from Jefferson High School, where Matt was active in the school newspaper and was on the varsity baseball and basketball teams. At Iowa State University he worked in the Sports Information Department, fostering his deep love of sports.

After college, Matt returned to Cedar Rapids, where he began his career in management at Eby’s Sporting Goods then U.S. Cellular. For the past several years, he served as a driver recruiter manager at CRST. A passionate sports enthusiast, Matt’s interests included Iowa State sports, the Vikings, the Dodgers, fantasy football, golf, and bowling league. He was also a dedicated softball player and played on the same team with many of his high school friends, which included his brother, for 20-plus years. He competed in national and state tournaments, earning All-American honors at a national tournament in Midland, Texas, in 2005. Matt’s bowling achievements included a perfect 300 game, and he was a lifelong fan of ’80s hairbands, particularly KISS.

Matt met Jennifer Kuster in the summer of 1995 at Ernie’s Pub, where he challenged her to a game of pool and, despite losing, found the love of his life. They married on October 6, 2001, and had three children together: Lily (20), Charlie (16), and Griffin (12). Matt was deeply involved in his children’s lives, attending Lily’s dance recitals and competitions, coaching Charlie’s baseball team, and recently cheering on Griffin at his first football game. He was incredibly proud of his children and enjoyed watching them excel in their passions.

Matt is survived by his wife, Jennifer; children, Lily, Charlie, and Griffin; mother, Marcia, and stepfather, Ed Rich; father, Charles and stepmother Cindy Young; siblings, Kristine Norem and Andrew (Desiree) Young, along with their children. He is also survived by his stepsiblings, nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends. Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents; and his aunt and uncle.

There will be a visitation on Thursday, September 19, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Teahen Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Friday, September 20 at 2 p.m. with a visitation starting at 1 p.m. on Friday at Teahen Funeral Home. All who knew and loved Matt are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established.

Online condolences can be left at www.teahenfuneralhome.com.