Matthew Lopez
Dates
June 16, 1980 - December 22, 2021Obituary
Matthew Lopez, 41, of Mitchell, SD, passed away Wednesday, December 22, 2021, comfortably at his home from natural causes. Funeral arrangements are pending under the direction of Bittner Funeral Chapel.
Matthew is survived by his children, Lily Lopez, Jodeci Lopez both of Shawano, WI, and Mateo Lopez Jr. of Mitchell; mother, Rose Loudner of Mitchell; brothers, Tory (Celeste) Loudner of Blair, NE, and Justo (Celina) Lopez Jr. of Fort Morgan, CO; sisters, Andrea Lopez of Greely, CO, and Mortisha Lopez of Mitchell, SD; great-grandfather, Donald Loudner Sr. of Blair, NE; uncle, Donald (Kathy) Loudner II of Blair, NE; aunt, Donita Loudner of Ft. Thompson, SD; special cousin, Sheena Loudner of Mitchell; his boss/best friend, Jeff Farrow of Mitchell; and his many friends, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, Justo Lopez Sr., paternal grandparents, Geromino and Ynosencia Lopez, and maternal grandmother, Joyce Loudner.
Young children are sweet, innocent, and full of surprises. Their words and actions often reflect how their parents interact and treat them. A few weeks ago, I was watching a group of children play. The quietest child in my classroom was the mother in the group. I overheard her say to Mateo, “Do you want to be my honey?â€
Mateo was overjoyed. He cheered, “Hurray, I get to be the dad!â€
Next the little girl said, “Honey, find my purse.†Mateo was happy to look for her purse. Then she found it and Mateo went and picked up a baby doll. He held the doll to his shoulder. Then he cradled it in his arms and said, “Don’t cry. Daddy’s here.†(Can you tell Mathew was a kind dad?)
I tell you this story and I could tell you a hundred more stories that demonstrate the sweetness, innocence, and the trust that children put in significant adults in their lives. Trust that makes young children believe that no matter what happens or comes their way, their parents and grandparents will hold them close, love them and keep them safe.
With deepest sympathy,
Mrs. Osterloo