Matthew “Matt” Canfield, age 35, of Isanti passed away at home on Friday, July 8, 2016. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Thursday, July 14th at Faith Lutheran Church in Isanti. There will be a memorial visitation from 1:00 P.M. until the service at 3:00 P.M. at the church. Interment will be in Isanti Union Cemetery at a later date.
Matthew Robert Canfield, age 35, of Isanti passed away at home on Friday, July 8, 2016. His family is too sad to write a full obituary, so this will have to do.
Matt was born on January 21, 1981. He loved his family and was loved by them. He was a true and loyal friend to many, many people.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Alton and Audrey Rask, grandmother, Amy canfield, and his father, Roger Canfield.
Matt is survived by his ma, Onalee Canfield; sister and brother-in-law, Kelly and Curt Waalen; godson and nephew, Sam Waalen; aunts, Sandy (Gary) Peterson, Andi (Tom) Jacobson, and Marge (Don) Heurung; uncles, Mike (Dayna) Rask, and Steve (Chris) Rask; along with countless other friends and relatives.
Lisa Miller says
Matt was a brilliant young man. I loved his playfulness and his competitiveness in all games: board, cards, and he was unbeatable at the bags tournaments his mother held at her parties. I often hear ‘gone to soon’ and it’s so true with Matt. It was fun how he shared his love of music with his mom, my friend. I was thrilled they were able to join me at the Paul McCartney show. I got a pair of tickets last minute and hoped that Onalee and Matt could come on such a short notice. They said yes, hopped in the car and off they went: concert bound! It was typical of his spontaneous spirit. I’m heartbroken for Onalee and Kelly and all who loved him. He was a bright light in this dark world.
Bonnie Larson says
Onalee I new Matt from stopping in gas station. He was the most friendliness person. Always very socialable and a very good employee. If he wasn’t to busy you could have a conversation with him for a few minutes. He worked there a long time. You graduated with my husband Gary Larson. We both send our prayers to you and your family. God Bless you in your time of sorrow.
Cindy evenson says
I graduated with Matt… He wad great, funny… I have to say my prayers are with you guts through this tough lost… It sad losing a class member.
Cati & Tim Knapp says
My dad and I knew matt from the gas station and he was such a friendly, caring person and always had a smile on his face. I haven’t met anyone like him and he will be deeply missed. My heart go’s out to his family in such a hard time.
Macc Langley says
Matt was one of my managers at the gas station. He helped me out so much the last year and a half. He bought me a car wash when i got my first car, gave me advice when I needed it, bought me floss when i was complaining about a pop corn seed in my teeth, made sure i was okay the day i found out about my brother passing away last year and gave my son a stroller and $50 for his baby shower. Sadly he never got to meet my son. We will all miss him.
Geaver says
My friend you left to soon. I will miss your smile and laugh, our mocking of some of the weird people we encountered early at the station. I will miss your visits and enjoying a cold beer. RIP my friend
Violet (Grauberger) Foster and family says
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. I know there are no words to heal the pain you are suffering. With time and faith it gets easier. Know that we as a family have you in our prayers and thoughts.
Craig Sundberg says
Am deeply saddened by the news of this past weekend. You were uplifting and encouraging to so many. A real “favorite” in the Rask family. You had a way of being so articulate, extremely bright and so supportive to those around you. To say that you will be missed is such an understatement. You will not be forgotten.
Kevin Chinnock says
I remember Matty as a young boy going around the neighborhood handing out flyers inviting us to a block party. Matt was always as friendly as can be, not shy to offer some fun chit chat and smart to. Matt was just simply a joy to be around, He will be thoughtfully remembered as a kind and gentle soul.
Tammi Mujwid says
Onalee,Kelly and family. Words cannot express how deeply saddened we are to hear of Matt’s passing. He truly was one of the sweetest guys. He always had a infectious smile and often asked about my parents while they were still alive. He will be missed a great deal.
Roger and Joan Bostrom says
We met Matt at the gas station where he worked, he was always happy and loved to visit, a very nice young man.
We are so sorry to hear of his passing, it leaves a huge hole in your family.
We are praying for God’s great strength to be your rest and peace.
Matt is walking hand and hand with Jesus and is out of all pain.
Kathleen Mattson says
I’m so very sorry that you’ve lost a wonderful son. He was loved by so many, which shows a lot about you as a mom, or ma as he must have called you. You and Roger raised a son that was so respectful of others and so very caring. He paid for my coffee at the station a couple times, just because. I was able to have a few conversations with him and he always talked about you, Onalee, he loved you so much. It is so sad to only have them for a short time but don’t ever forget we will see them again someday. I love you so much and I’m praying for you and Kelly and the rest of the family.
Denise Erickson says
Onalee and family, Tommy and I are so sad at the passing of Matt, So sorry for your loss and a young wonderful man had to leave us so soon. Loved to go into the station just to see that great smile and chitchat. You are in our thoughts Love to you and the family.
Sharon Servaty says
Our hearts ache for your family. Love and prayers, Dennis and Sharon Servaty
Andi Jacobson says
How can we lose Matt so soon? We all wanted more time with Matt; time to giggle and laugh, time to golf, time to talk politics. Time is too long for Sam when he is ready to open presents, Time is too short for Kurt when he rejoices completing a job, Time is hard when you have been grieving for Roger and now Matt. When you love, time lasts forever, and your love for Matt will go into eternity. All my love for you and Kelly. Andi
Heidi says
I graduated with Matt and had you for a teacher. Matt always could make others smile. He was a kind person who will be missed by many. Run in paradise Matt. Say hi to Zach and Jeremy and the others up there.
Michelle and Katie Chinnock says
Matt was always so nice to Katie and I at the gas station. He will be missed. Prayers to you Onalee.
Fred,Frannie&Freddie says
My dear Onalee. My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
Love you
Eric Bell says
I didn’t know Matt well, but almost 20 years later, I remember his jolly smile and hefty laugh well. Way too soon for such a big heart. I can only imagine the loss those who knew him better are feeling now. Thoughts with you all.
Paul Pirkl says
Onalee,
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family.
I was shocked and saddened to hear about Matt. Even though I never met him, I feel l a kinship through Roger. As you remember, Roger and I worked together at Skyline. I recall Roger being on the phone each morning chatting with Matt before school and always ending the phone call with “I love you”. They truly had a special father –son relationship. Now they will be together again.
Kelly T says
I just can’t get my mind around this…..I didn’t want to believe this was true. I was just getting to know the true and deep side of Matt. I only met him this past year of working with him at Northland. He labeled me “sweet and sassy” Well, I feel that is one of the many ways to also describe him. He had that quick witted humor that would silence you at times, he could make you smile when you were having a rough day….he was an all around great person……yet he was hurting so much inside himself. Matt, I hope that you know deep in your soul that you are truly loved by many. You will not only be deeply missed by your loving family and friends….you will be missed by all who have had a chance to see your smile and experience your laughter. Rest peaceful Matt. Fridays just aren’t the same…….My heart hurts for your family. Prayers for strength and comfort in this tragically sudden passing…..Take care
Greg Sniezek says
Matt lived next to me in Holes Hall at SCSU. Always able to ‘one up’ a smart remark with a laugh. He proof read my papers and took pleasure marking them up with red pen. A fun man and a pleasure to be around. My last memory is seeing his fresh frosted tips with plenty of laughs at Jacob’s wedding. A good man gone too soon. Will be missed by more than he knows.
Cheryl (Zenner) Kalis says
Onalee and family,
I am saddened to hear about your loss. I will keep Matt in my prayers.
Jon Kerrign says
Matt was my best friend in college. I met him my first day of freshman year and we were fast friends from there on out. If there is anything I will remember about him is that he was quick witted and a smart ass who was always able to one up you :). I’ll remember his love of family, Roger, Onalee, and Kelly which he talked about constantly. His father Roger who passed was a lot for him to handle. I’ll remember his love of laughter with friends in college and in Isanti (thinking Schmo and Biscuit over foosball games/Jake and Jimmy who came to visit often/Carla who was often on his mind). I’ll remember that our birthday was only one day apart January 20 and 21 of which we celebrated together our 21st. There are too many things I could reminisce about Matt, he would probably even critique my writing ability now with a smart ass comment :), but most of all I’ll miss his smile and his friendship. I wish I could hug him once more and tell him how much I loved him as a friend because I know how much he loved me and everyone he was close to. He is in God’s hands now and likely cracking jokes and playing cribbage with his father Roger. I love you Matt and will see you again. Your friend Jon.
Shannon Merrill says
Dear Canfield Family,
I am so sorry to hear about Matt! This is absolutely devastating and unbelievably heart wrenching. From the Merrill family please accept our sincere condolences. Please know that Matt was an amazing, funny and kind soul he will be missed! Please feel free to reach out if anything is needed.
Love always,
Dave, Denise, Shannon, Luke, Jessie and our angel Shelbie Merrill
Juli says
Absolutely can not believe such an amazing person was taken so early!! There were many times where just seeing you made my day better!! You will be missed greatly by many! My heart goes out to you Matt & your family! Til we meet again my friend. You will always be in my thoughts & prayers!! ❤️
Kitty Ireland says
I remember Matt as a little guy running around the neighborhood. Always with that BIG Beautiful Smile. And then seeing him at the gas station, Always friendly, quick witted, and again that BIG Beautiful Smile!! I always left with a smile. He Is MISSED!!
Mary Harris says
Matt was my favorite home town guy and topping the reasons for my home town visits were his big smile and warm hugs.
In the words of our mutually favored singer, John Prime, Matt’s memory will always be one of my best “Souvenirs.”
Erick Harcey says
Matt- you will be missed- it was always great catching up and talking the “good old days” when I would see you in the mornings- to young to soon…
MARCIA STOLSKI says
MY NAME IS MARCIA STOLSKI YOU DON’T KNOW ME BUT I KNEW MATT FROM THE GAS STATION. I COULD HARDLY BELIEVE MY EYES WHEN I SAW IS NAME IN THE PAPER. I’M STILL IN SHOCK. HE WAS A WONDERFUL GUY ALWAYS A BEAUTIFUL SMILE FOR YOU. I DON’T BELIEVE HE EVER HAD A BAD DAY AND IF HE DID YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER KNOWN IT. I WOULD STOP IN THERE JUST TO CHAT FOR A FEW MINUTES. HE WAS THE KIND OF GUY THAT YOU WISH THE WHOLE WORLD COULD BE LIKE HIM. HE ALWAYS SPOKE OF HIS WONDERFUL MOM AND HOW CLOSE THEY WERE. IF I WOULD HAVE EVER HAD A SON I WOULD HAVE WANTED HIM TO BE JUST LIKE MATT. I’M SO VERY SORRY THAT MATT IS GONE TO HEAVEN HE NOW HAS HIS ANGEL WINGS. MATT YOU WILL BE FOREVER LOVED AND MISSED AND YOUR SMILE WILL ALWAYS BE IN MY HEART. ALWAYS REMEMBER THE WONDERFUL MEMORIES YOU HAVE OF HIM.
YOUR FRIEND MATT. MARCIA
SO SO VERY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS AND HE WAS A LOSS WE WILL MISS YOU ALWAYS MATT.
Mike and Patty Anderson says
Onalee and family,
I just wanted to say that I’m sorry for all you’re going through. I loved knowing Matt. He had such a kind way with people. Always asking how the kids were or waving when I went past the house. We don’t know why things happen. Like the song says, “We’ll understand it better by and by”. Please know that we are lifting you all up in prayer and are just down the road if you want to talk. Only Jesus can mend our broken hearts. Love to you all,
Mike, Patty and the Anderson family
Melissa L. says
Matt was a year behind me in school; I grew up in the same town. I had a crush on him as a kid, and still remember him all these years later. It just goes to show that one can never fully know the impressions one makes on others, or how long those impressions will last.