Matthew “Matt” Charles Iwohn
December 28, 1975 - June 25, 2024
Matthew “Matt” Charles Iwohn, 48, of Gardnerville, Nevada passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. Matt spent his final hours surrounded by family and loved ones, and, in his quintessential style, rather than seek comfort, he sought to provide comfort, encouragement, amusement, and love to each of them.
Matt was born on December 28, 1975, in Lincoln, Nebraska. Matt loved life from the moment he took his first breath. Matt was special; he radiated positivity, kindness, and joy. He possessed a certain magic or magnetism that drew people to him.
On October 3, 2008, Matt married the love of his life and soul mate, Rebekah “Becky” Biggs. Together, Matt and Becky built a beautiful life and family for themselves and their two sons, Matthew and Max. Matt was a contractor by trade and a builder by nature. In his own words, “I’ve built a lot of really cool stuff over the years, but this family and relationship are the only thing that matter.” Matt lived these words; he placed his relationship with Becky and their boys above all else. Matt’s family was his greatest joy.
Matt built countless, enduring friendships. Matt was the rare individual who never had anything negative to say about anyone. And, perhaps, the most negative thing ever said about Matt was that his affinity for black licorice was “disgusting.” Matt’s friends will always remember him as a ray of light on a dark day, a source of strength during difficult times, a positive outlook in a sea of negativity, and an often-inappropriate text or DM for an early morning or late-night laugh.
In 2020, Matt discovered DC Jiu Jitsu; he immediately fell in love with the sport and the community. At DC Jiu Jitsu, this perpetually kind man realized how much he loved to choke people and place them in arm and leg locks. As always, those who trained with Matt loved him and he loved them, some becoming his closest friends. On January 29, 2024, Matt received his purple belt, an accomplishment obtained by roughly 3% of BJJ practitioners.
Matt coached for DC Jiu Jitsu and Carson Valley Little League. As a coach, he helped to build and form children into impactful members of our community. The kids (and adults) who had the privilege of training with or playing for Coach Matt will always love him. His authenticity and sincere interest in their well-being is forever imprinted on their hearts.
Matt was a husband, father, son, brother (by blood and by choice), friend, coach, role model, and hero. But Matt was so much more than these simple words and titles can convey. Matt was the man most men aspire to become, authentic, sincere, loving, and humble. The sense of devastation felt by Matt’s passing is superseded only by the love and friendship that he freely shared with so many. The magic of Matt will endure because he forever changed the lives of those he loved. Matt, we’re all going to be okay because you loved us. Thank you for being you! Thank you for being an example.
Matt is survived by his wife, Rebekah “Becky” Iwohn, sons, Matthew Iwohn, Jr. and Max Iwohn; his mother and father Molly and Walter Templin; his sister Michele Mortimore; his nephew David Noland, together with his wife Penny and their daughters Allison and McKenzie; his father-in-law, William “Bill” John Biggs, Jr.; his brother-in-law William “Billy” John Biggs, III, together with his wife Meredith and their children Billy and Hunter; his brother-in-law Andew Biggs and his daughter Lily; and, Roger Falke, his mentor and second father.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at 3:00 PM at Genoa Town Park, 2285 Genoa Street, Genoa, Nevada. For those who wish to attend, please dress casually.
In lieu of flowers, honor Matt by living your life a little more like his: wrap your arms around your friends and family and tell them that you love them. Sincerely ask those with whom you associate how they are doing and listen when they respond. Send a funny text or DM, even if it is a bit inappropriate, to someone just to make them laugh. Do not waste your time on negativity. Find a friend. Be a friend. Keep being positive, keep living, and never be afraid to say, “I love you.” Remember that every day, every second, every moment is a blessing.