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.
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Visits: 11
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the
Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Service map data © OpenStreetMap contributors