Matthew C. Schenkel
- April 12, 2012
- Fort Wayne, Indiana
of Matthew's Passing
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Arrangements made by
D O McComb and Sons - Pine Valley
1320 East Dupont Rd.
Fort Wayne,
IN
46825
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View Phone NumberTel. (260) 426-9494
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Memories & Candles
Previous
“Dear Michelle and all of Matt's family:
I recently learned of Matt's passing and wanted to express my condolences. How very saddened I am to learn...Read More »
”
1 of 21 | Posted by: Becky Bockelman
“To the family of Matthew C. Schenkel,
With our "most deepest" sympathy in the loss of your loved one. We also lost a son in 2007. Joshua was 22...Read More »
”
2 of 21 | Posted by: Keith & Michelle Amstutz - IN
“Steve, Over the last year we have had plenty of talks about your son. i know
you cared for him deeply. i know he was a good guy and that he had life...Read More »
”
3 of 21 | Posted by: Gary - Fort Wayne, IN
“Rest In Peace.
”
4 of 21 | Posted by: Friend - IN
“Matt was such a passionate person, and everyone who encountered him, saw that. Thank you Matt for your dedication, drive and dream of having a...Read More »
”
5 of 21 | Posted by: Lindsay Franklin - Fort Wayne, IN
“My Heart goes out to Uncle Steve, Aunt Margaret, Laurie and, Angie. I can't imagine the pain you all feel and I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing...Read More »
”
6 of 21 | Posted by: Moe Fink - Hollsiter , CA
“Angie and Family -
So sorry to hear of the passing of Matt. My heart is breaking for all of you. During our high school years I came look up to...Read More »
”
7 of 21 | Posted by: Kari (Sansom) Irick - Fort Wayne, IN
“If you would ask Matt, why do you rescue Pit Bulls? I dont know, but I think he might say its because I’ve never known a breed more deserving of...Read More »
”
8 of 21 | Posted by: Lesley Buckmaster
“The world has lost a dedicated animal welfare advocate with the passing of Matt Schenkel. He was a friend to the animals, and his memory and mission...Read More »
”
9 of 21 | Posted by: Cody R. Williams - Fort Wayne, IN
“I, as many others, am saddened for your loss. I did not know Matt personally, but as I read of the compassion he not only had for animals, but...Read More »
”
10 of 21 | Posted by: Dave Greulach - Fort Wayne, IN
“Dear Matt - We admire you for all you did, for all that you are, your dedication, your passion and you love for the animals. We love you for bringing...Read More »
”
11 of 21 | Posted by: Randy and Leslie Armstrong - IN
“Uncle Steve, Aunt Margie, Laurie, Angie and family...
What an amazing son, brother and spouse you had the joy of sharing on a daily basis.....Read More »
”
12 of 21 | Posted by: Dee Dee Secrist - RCHO STA MARG, CA
“We mourn your loss, celebrate your life and remember your kind, loving and compassionate heart. Thanks for all the great memories. You will be missed...Read More »
”
13 of 21 | Posted by: Adam Hayes - Indianapolis, IN
“Uncle Steve, Aunt Margie, Laurie, Angie and the rest of our extended family...
I am at a loss for words (which is unusual for me) to even begin to...Read More »
”
14 of 21 | Posted by: Penny Therien - CA - Cousin
“Matt was a dedicated Pitt bull advocate and when the call came to stand up and represent them in our community he never hesitated. He took Tyson in...Read More »
”
15 of 21 | Posted by: Madeleine Laird - Fort Wayne, IN
“My condolences to his friends and family. Fort Wayne has lost a compassionate man and major advocate of animals. =(
”
16 of 21 | Posted by: Renee Gilbert - Warren, IN
“Matt possessed an impressive knowledge of dogs and a great commitment to pit bulls. As president and founder of Fort Wayne Pit Bull Coalition, he...Read More »
”
17 of 21 | Posted by: Linda Furman - Fort Wayne, IN
“I am so sorry, I didn't know Matt but from everything I heard he was a great person.
”
18 of 21 | Posted by: Vickie Wall - Angola, IN
“To my dear Cousin! You will always remain in my heart! I will keep the fond memory of your green bug and having you, me, Angie, Jason, and some of...Read More »
”
19 of 21 | Posted by: Amanda Johnson - Hollister, CA
“I was deeply saddened to learn of Matt's passing. I had the pleasure to work with him at O'Daniels and he will be greatly missed. Please except my...Read More »
”
20 of 21 | Posted by: Kelly Rothgeb - Fort Wayne , IN
“Uncle Steve, Aunt Margie, Laurie, Angie and All.....
So sorry to hear of your loss. By what I have read Matt has touched a lot of lives and helped...Read More »
”
21 of 21 | Posted by: Rich and Meg LaFleur - MI
Matthew C. Schenkel, 41, passed away Thursday, April 12, 2012. Born in Ft. Wayne, Matt had worked at O'Daniel Automotive for 15 years and graduated from the Animal Behavior College. He was the founder and president of the Ft. Wayne Pitbull Coalition. He is survived by his wife, Michelle Schenkel; parents, Steve and Margaret Schenkel of Ft. Wayne; step-sons, Dalton and Travis Ciferri; sisters, Laurie Schenkel and Angela (Jason) Errington, both of Huntertown, IN; nieces, Sydnie Caskey and Isabella and Arianna Errington; and dogs, Dody, Tyson and Red. Matt was preceded in death by his dogs, Maximus, Zeus, and Chopper. Funeral service is 10 am, Monday, April 16, 2012 at D.O. McComb and Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home, 1320 East Dupont Rd with calling one hour prior. Calling also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm with a 6:15 pm Vigil and Eulogy on Sunday at the funeral home. Entombment in Catholic Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Ft. Wayne Pitbull Coalition or HOPE for Animals. To sign the online guest book, go to www.mccombandsons.com.
Visitation
April 15, 2012
2:00 PM
to 4:00 PM
6:00 PM
to 8:00 PM
D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home
1320 E. Dupont Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(260) 426-9494
Funeral Service
April 16, 2012
10:00 AM
D.O. McComb & Sons Pine Valley Park Funeral Home
1320 E. Dupont Rd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46825
(260) 426-9494
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Dear Michelle and all of Matt's family:
I recently learned of Matt's passing and wanted to express my condolences. How very saddened I am to learn of your loss. My heart breaks for you. Michelle, you had such a short time together, but I know it was full of love; it was written all over you whenever you spoke of him. I know you are a very strong woman and that strength will help carry you through. God Bless you.
Posted by: Becky Bockelman - friend of Michelle Oct 02, 2012
To the family of Matthew C. Schenkel,
With our "most deepest" sympathy in the loss of your loved one. We also lost a son in 2007. Joshua was 22 years old. Our hearts broke when we read about your Matthew. You continue to be in our thoughts & in our prayers.
We are in a group called, The Compassionate Friends, that supports family after a child dies. It is a self-help organization that is open to all bereaved families that have experienced
To the family of Matthew C. Schenkel,
With our "most deepest" sympathy in the loss of your loved one. We also lost a son in 2007. Joshua was 22 years old. Our hearts broke when we read about your Matthew. You continue to be in our thoughts & in our prayers.
We are in a group called, The Compassionate Friends, that supports family after a child dies. It is a self-help organization that is open to all bereaved families that have experienced the death of a child, sibling, or grandchild from any cause, at any age, from pre-birth to adulthood. The mission of, The Compassionate Friends, is to assist families toward the positive resolution of grief following the death of a child & to provide information to help others be supportive.
At the meetings we share our experiences resulting from our child's death, & how we deal with those experiences. The chance to talk & share & listen is so important in the grieving process. If you ever are interested in attending, there is no time frame in which to start coming. Come when you think you are ready to meet others who understand how you feel. There is a chapter in Fort Wayne that meets the first Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm - 9:30pm with the exception of July & December.
First Presbyterian Church in Room 303
300 W. Wayne Street
Fort Wayne, IN 46802
Corner of W. Wayne & Webter Streets
Parking off of Berry Street
Our chapter offers a bi-monthly newsletter & has a Lending Library with Grief Related Material. In July there is a Balloon Release/Picnic at Lakeside Park & in December Candle Light Service.
National Office ~ Toll Free:
877-969-0010
www.compassionatefriends.org
Posted by: Keith & Michelle Amstutz - Fort Wayne, IN - Someone Who Cares! Apr 24, 2012
Steve, Over the last year we have had plenty of talks about your son. i know
you cared for him deeply. i know he was a good guy and that he had life cut short. I just wish you peace ....Gary
Posted by: Gary - Fort Wayne, IN - friend of Matt's dad Apr 21, 2012
Rest In Peace.
Posted by: Friend - IN Apr 18, 2012
Matt was such a passionate person, and everyone who encountered him, saw that. Thank you Matt for your dedication, drive and dream of having a nonprofit organization dedicated for pit bulls. The world lost a caring animal rights advocate and wonderful friend. His work will live on through the Fort Wayne Pit Bull Coalition. May he rest in peace and God Bless him for all of his work with animals.
Posted by: Lindsay Franklin - Fort Wayne, IN - friend; fellow animal advocate Apr 16, 2012
My Heart goes out to Uncle Steve, Aunt Margaret, Laurie and, Angie. I can't imagine the pain you all feel and I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. I believe he is now in a better place absolutely pain free. He is taking care of his pups and he is now at home with our father and I am sure he is watching and waiting for all of you at Heavens door. Matt you will always be missed cousin, Love & PEACE to You and all the family everywhere.
Posted by: Moe Fink - Hollsiter , CA - Cousin Apr 16, 2012
Angie and Family -
So sorry to hear of the passing of Matt. My heart is breaking for all of you. During our high school years I came look up to Matt as a big brother. He will be missed! Thinking of you all durning this time!
Posted by: Kari (Sansom) Irick - Fort Wayne, IN - Friend Apr 16, 2012
If you would ask Matt, why do you rescue Pit Bulls? I dont know, but I think he might say its because I’ve never known a breed more deserving of life. Maybe because they have no other hope. Maybe my advocacy for the breed stems from my desire to fight injustice… to right the wrongs and stand up for the victims.
Maybe it's because they have no reason to trust me, or anyone for that matter, and yet... they do.
If you would ask Matt, why do you rescue Pit Bulls? I dont know, but I think he might say its because I’ve never known a breed more deserving of life. Maybe because they have no other hope. Maybe my advocacy for the breed stems from my desire to fight injustice… to right the wrongs and stand up for the victims.
Maybe it's because they have no reason to trust me, or anyone for that matter, and yet... they do. Maybe it's because they have no reason to forgive, and yet, they have.
Maybe my love for them is a reflection of their love for me… unconditional, unwavering, and infinite. Maybe I want to change the world for them… to end the suffering… to tell them that they matter… and to return the love they so freely and unselfishly give.
All things just as easily attributed to Matt. I spent very little time with Matt, but the few conversations we had made me believe that he would do something special, and he did. I know without a doubt that the gift that he gave to this community.... of animal lovers (in particular the lovable pit bull) will never be forgotten. Michelle and family please accept my condolonces on your loss.
Posted by: Lesley Buckmaster Apr 15, 2012
The world has lost a dedicated animal welfare advocate with the passing of Matt Schenkel. He was a friend to the animals, and his memory and mission in life will live on through the lives that he has touched, whether human or animal. I never had the chance to meet Matt in person but I am close to many that were very close to him and I have seen the impact that he had on their lives. I knew him
The world has lost a dedicated animal welfare advocate with the passing of Matt Schenkel. He was a friend to the animals, and his memory and mission in life will live on through the lives that he has touched, whether human or animal. I never had the chance to meet Matt in person but I am close to many that were very close to him and I have seen the impact that he had on their lives. I knew him through his role as President of Fort Wayne Pit Bull Coalition.
If everyone on this earth lived by Matt's example, the world would be a much better place and there would be no cruelty or suffering of humans or animals.
God bless you and your family Matt. Hope to see you on the other side my friend...
Cody R. Williams
Posted by: Cody R. Williams - Fort Wayne, IN - Animal Welfare Friend Apr 15, 2012
I, as many others, am saddened for your loss. I did not know Matt personally, but as I read of the compassion he not only had for animals, but toward a human being as well, I'm not surprised. I, on occasions, have had conversations with his father, Steve, and I immediately sensed the true, sincere connection and loving commitments that must run strong in this family.
May God comfort each of you and hold you close thru this difficult time.
Dave Greulach
Posted by: Dave Greulach - Fort Wayne, IN Apr 15, 2012
Share A Story
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When I would babysit Matthew, Laurie and Angie...he had a fetish with the hamper shoot...anything and everything would be put down it and he would giggle and giggle until he would say his tummy hurt...he would love for the girls and I to go downstairs and he would be upstairs and look down through the opening and talk to us that way and shhot quarters down it...he was always an amazing loving boy...I found it very hard to correct him if at all needed..he melted me with those big beautiful brown eyes with lashes so thick and long...I am so proud of him and who he became and I am so blessed to be able to say he was a part of my family...<3>
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April 13, 2012