Matthew C. Harper
May 29, 1998 — February 08, 2024
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Service Details
Matthew Charles Harper, 25, unexpectedly passed away on February 8, 2024 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City, IA after collapsing at breakfast with Anna, his wife, on Wednesday morning.
Matthew was born on May 29, 1998 to Jeffrey and Kristine (Hanzelka) Harper. He graduated from Iowa City West High School in 2016 and continued his education at Luther College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in music education in 2020. It was at Luther that he met the love of his life, Anna Hug. Together they were building their life in Waukee, IA and are expecting their first child in May. Matthew was the 6th-8th grade choir director at Urbandale Middle School as well as the interim choir director at Faith Lutheran Church in Clive.
Matthew was the one who would beat you at a game (any game, didn’t matter) but then sincerely thank you for playing. Among his many titles were cookie baker, ukulele player, ropes course instructor, show choir dance captain, and Ticket to Ride Collector. If asked how he won complex games, he would smile and reply, “ADHD brain, it’s my super power.” Matthew loved to be involved, be efficient, help others, and laugh with family and friends, but would prefer if it all wrapped up by 9:30 p.m. Whether he was scooping a bowl of ice cream, having a board game night, playing a Pokémon game, making a home cooked meal, attending or participating in a choral concert or organizing a pickleball game, Matthew wanted to share it with whomever he could. He was never found without a pair of Chacos, a quarter zip, and a baseball hat at the ready to match his hearty laugh and legendary dimples. Matthew found immense joy in learning and then teaching others what he knew. From Camp Ewalu to Luther College to school to church, he naturally became a leader and brought out the best in everyone around him. He noticed and appreciated beauty in life and his joy was infectious.
He is survived by his family; wife, Anna and baby Harper; parents, Jeff and Kristi Harper; siblings, Katie Harper-Griffith, Jackson Harper-Griffith, and Carrie Harper; parents-in-law, Keith and Sandy Hug; siblings-in-law, Gabe, Faith, Mark, and Phil Hug. Also grieving are his grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and a multitude of friends. Matthew’s life -saving donation of organs and tissues will carry on his memory and honor his love of helping others.
Visitation will be held from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. Saturday, February 24th at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines, IA. The funeral service will take place at 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 25th at Faith Lutheran Church, 10395 University Avenue, Clive, IA.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Ewalu Camp & Retreat Center.
Condolences of sympathy may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Alex Schaeffer
02/24/2024
Dear Harper Family,
I didn't have the pleasure to get to know Matthew well during our time at Luther College, but he was always easily recognizable from a distance because of his huge smile and kind, genuine personality. My heart breaks for you during this difficult time.
Sending love and prayers for peace and strength.
Brian and Deb Adamec
02/24/2024
Dear Harper Family,
Words cannot express the depth of our heartbreak and sorrow. We weep with you. God is weeping with you. Praying that though God may seem a million miles away right now that you hold on to the fact that He is near. May you draw closer to Him, trust Him more, draw closer to others and witness to the world. Matthew, thank you for being a good and faithful witness to the world!
Love,
Brian and Deb Adamec
Hana & Sophia
02/23/2024
Me and sophia had mr.harper 6th and 7th grade year, he was the greatest music teacher he may have gotten upset with us or even when he was down but he always had a smile on his face he was the happiest and it was so hard to even bring him down after I heard the news I couldnt even believe that my actual favorite teacher was gone .
Ray Redondo
02/21/2024
He lead me at MAD camp. He taught me my favorite card game. He gave me hope at a camp where I felt alone all too often, and he actually understood me. I saw him again at another camp (forgot which one), then saw him at a random show choir event in Cedar Rapids where he was student teaching. I was looking forward to seeing him again when I got a chance.
I'm heartbroken, truly and completely.
Oliver Michael
02/21/2024
Matthew was my MAD camp coordinator at Ewalu. He was so amazing with us and that was one of the most fun weeks of my life.
Jill Johnson-West
02/17/2024
I have known Matthew since he was in first grade. My son, Adam, was on his soccer team, and I was their coach. What fun! Matthew and Adam have journeyed through life together, fifth grade band, junior high, high school, college. The highlights were show choir and musicals in high school, and the Nordic Choir at Luther College. I have pictures, videos, yearbooks. It is fun to reminisce. I will think of Matthew, Anna, and baby Harper daily. God be with you, on the journey of grief.
Dean P Vesperman
02/17/2024
Matthew was an amazing student at Luther College. From the first day of educational psychology, it was clear that Matt had the spark for helping others and for teaching. He was a joy to teach and he always sought to learn more to be a better teacher. The excitement he had for what he wanted to do in his future class was infectious. I always enjoyed talking with him about teaching. I remember the day that he and the rest of the class, mostly future music teachers taught me Takadimi. Mathew also modeled compassion and care for others. I will truly never forget him.
"Until we meet again,
may God hold you
in the palm of his hand."