Matthew "Matty" Teuscher

A Tribute to Matty

Matthew Ryan Teuscher, lovingly known as “Matty,” passed away unexpectedly on July 6, 2026, at the age of 38.

Matthew, the youngest son of Michael Lee and Elisabeth Joanne (Graudin) Teuscher, was born on April 19, 1988, in Akron, Ohio. From the very beginning, he brought joy to those around him. Throughout his life, that joy became a light for countless others, leaving the world a little brighter because he was in it.

Although his time here on earth was far too short, Matty’s life cannot be measured simply by the number of years he was given. It must be measured by the people he loved, the friendships he built, the laughter he shared, the kindness he gave, and the countless lives that were brighter because he was part of them.

If one phrase captured the way Matty lived, it would be:

God first. Family always. Love for all.

These are not simply words. They were the foundation of his life.

Matty was a gentle soul with a servant’s heart. He had a rare ability to make people feel welcomed, accepted, and important. He never sought attention or recognition—he simply cared for people. He listened. He encouraged. He showed up. He loved.

And because of that, he became a light to so many, a light that will continue to shine.

If you knew Matty, you probably have a story. A story that made you laugh, reminded you of his kindness, or left you feeling a little better simply because he was part of it.

A Childhood Filled With Adventure, Competition, and Laughter

As the youngest son of Michael and Elisabeth (Graudin) Teuscher, Matty grew up surrounded by adventure, competition, and plenty of laughter.

His childhood began in Akron before the family moved to Ames, Iowa, where neighborhood games, backyard competitions, and youth sports filled his days. The Teuscher brothers spent countless hours playing football, basketball, baseball, soccer, hockey, and whatever game they could invent. The brothers rarely took it easy on each other. Competition was part of their bond.

One story perfectly captured Matty’s fearless spirit. During a weekend outdoor ice hockey game, kindergarten aged Matty volunteered to play goalie against his older brothers. He bravely stood in front of slap shots and took his share of hits, leaving for school Monday morning covered in bruises. His teachers naturally questioned what had happened, but his family knew the truth: that was simply Matty.

Tough. Fearless. Determined. Always willing to step in.

Even as a young boy, Matty brought joy wherever he went. Family members still smile remembering that eight year old Matt sitting shirtless at the piano, enthusiastically playing songs while singing at the top of his lungs. Those moments captured something that never left him and his ability to bring joy, laughter, and life into every room he entered.

Faith, Family, and Finding Home in Charlevoix

Matty’s parents instilled in him a deep faith and love for others from an early age. Growing up, he was active in the Lutheran church through Sunday School, Vacation Bible School, Christmas programs, serving as an acolyte, and countless other church activities that helped shape the servant heart he carried throughout his life.

Matthew was baptized on April 24, 1988, at Hope Lutheran Church in Akron, Ohio, and later reaffirmed his faith through confirmation on May 5, 2002, at Bethany Lutheran Church in Charlevoix, Michigan. His faith remained an important part of who he was and guided the way he loved and served others throughout his life.

When the family moved to Charlevoix during Matty’s fourth-grade year, he found more than just a new hometown. He found a community that welcomed him, embraced him, and became home. Charlevoix became the place where his roots grew deep in a community he loved, where he was known, and where he became the man so many came to love.

Sports remained one of Matty’s greatest passions. He loved baseball and soccer, earning varsity letters while creating memories with teammates that he often reflected on years later. In 2006, he was honored as the Charlevoix Rayders Baseball MVP after excelling as a catcher, pitcher, and hitter. He graduated from Charlevoix High School that same year.

After graduation, Matty attended classes at Petoskey and Grand Valley while continuing to follow a path uniquely his own. His adventurous spirit led him across the country on unforgettable road trips throughout the western United States, where he explored national parks, mountain landscapes, and the beauty of God’s creation.

He loved discovering new places, meeting new people, and appreciating the simple wonder of the world around him.

A Life Filled With Simple Joys

Matty found joy in life's simple pleasures. He loved biking, kayaking, photography, puzzles, board and card games, spending time outdoors, and taking in everything Northern Michigan had to offer. He appreciated quiet moments, new adventures, and the beauty of God's creation. Matty found happiness in ordinary moments that became lasting memories.

He was also a devoted sports fan who proudly cheered for his favorite teams, the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, and Nebraska Cornhuskers. Whether wearing his favorite hat or jersey, watching a game with family and friends, or following his teams throughout the season, Matty followed his teams with the same loyalty, enthusiasm, and joy that defined the way he lived.

In recent years, one passion became especially meaningful: Fishing.

Some of Matty's happiest moments were spent with a fishing rod in hand and the people he loved most by his side. He treasured walleye fishing with his dad, peaceful mornings on Northern Michigan inland lakes with his mom, and memorable fishing trips to Michigan's Upper Peninsula with family.

For Matty, fishing was never just about catching fish. It was about slowing down, enjoying God's creation, sharing conversations, laughing together, and making memories that would last a lifetime. There he found peace, gratitude, and an even deeper appreciation for the people beside him.

Not long ago, Matty purchased a shirt with a simple Bible verse that beautifully reflected both his favorite pastime and the way he lived:

"Matthew 4:19 — He Called Me to Fish."

At first glance, it celebrated a love for fishing. But for those who knew Matty, it represented something far greater.

Jesus said, "Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." (Matthew 4:19)

Matty answered that calling every day through simple acts of kindness. He welcomed those who felt unseen, encouraged those who were hurting, forgave freely, and loved without condition.

Like a faithful fisherman, Matty cast nets of compassion wherever he went, drawing people toward hope through friendship, service, and the love of Christ. He understood that the greatest catch was never a fish, but a heart touched by love, grace, and faith.

Perhaps it is no coincidence that the verse that so beautifully reflects his life shares both his name and the numbers of his birthday, April 19.

The One who called Matty to fish has now called him home.

A Light That Will Continue to Shine

Matty spent many years serving others through the restaurant and hospitality industry. Anyone who worked alongside him or had the privilege of sitting in his section remembers the same things:

His warm smile. His contagious laugh. His quick wit. His genuine care for others.

He had a rare gift for making people feel like they mattered.

Customers became friends. Coworkers became family. Strangers became people worth knowing.

Even on his hardest days, Matty chose kindness. He chose to be a source of light for others. That is the legacy he leaves behind.

Not measured by accomplishments, possessions, or recognition but by people. By relationships. By the lives he touched.

To so many throughout Charlevoix and beyond, Matty was a light.

He had an extraordinary ability to brighten a room without ever needing to be the center of attention. His smile could lift someone’s spirit. His calm presence could bring peace. His kindness could change the course of someone’s day.

And if you were fortunate enough to receive one of Matty’s hugs, you know they were unlike any other. They were more than a hug, they were comfort, acceptance, encouragement, and love. Somehow, in those moments, Matty reminded people that they mattered.

Life was not always easy for Matty. Like many people, he quietly carried burdens that others did not always see. Yet even while carrying struggles of his own, he continued to shine light into the lives of others.

He showed us that kindness is powerful. That gentleness is strength. That compassion matters. That a simple smile, a genuine conversation, or a moment of caring can change someone’s entire day.

The brightest lights are often the ones that continue shining even in darkness.

Scripture reminds us:

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” John 1:5

Matty lived those words.

He never sought recognition or attention. He simply loved people, and through that love, he reflected the light of Christ.

The world is undeniably darker without him, but his light did not leave this world when he did. Light is meant to be shared, and Matty’s light continues through every person whose life he touched.

It shines whenever someone chooses kindness, welcomes someone who feels alone, offers forgiveness, gives a hug, or chooses compassion over judgment.

The world was a better place because Matty was in it. Though he was taken from us far too soon, the impact of his life will last forever.

His light lives on in his family, his friendships, this community he loved, and in the countless stories that will continue to be shared for generations to come.

Family, Family, Family

Matty treasured his family.

He loved his Momma deeply and shared many special moments with her, including Sunday mornings at Christ Lutheran Church in Boyne City, worshiping, praying, singing hymns together, and following it with some friendly bowling competition.

His family smiles imagining him now singing those same songs alongside the angels in Heaven.

Matty loved his brothers, sisters-in-law and cherished being Uncle Matty. His nieces and nephews: Sebastian, Huxley, Atticus, Athena, Benny, Lizzie, and Gemma held a special place in his heart.

He loved making them laugh. Playing with them. Encouraging them. Reminding them how deeply they were loved.

Family gatherings, holidays, summer visits, and simple moments together meant everything to him.

Matthew was preceded in death by his beloved father, Michael Lee Teuscher.

He is survived by his loving mother, Elisabeth “Beth” Teuscher; his brothers, Jer (LeAnna), Nate (Lexi), and Jake (Michelle); his cherished nieces and nephews, Sebastian, Huxley, Atticus, Athena, Benny, Lizzie, and Gemma; along with his aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and countless friends whose lives were forever changed by knowing him.

Come As You Are

If Matty were here today, there’s a good chance he’d be wearing flip flops or Adidas Sambas, a backwards hat, glasses, shorts or jeans, and one of his favorite T-shirts or jerseys. That was Matty…comfortable, genuine, and completely himself.

He never cared about appearances. He cared about people.

In honor of the way Matty lived, come as you are. Wear what feels like you, wear something that reminds you of him, and come ready to share stories, laughter, hugs, and love.

That's exactly how Matty would want it.

Visitation:

Friday, July 17, from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes, 209 State Street, Charlevoix, Michigan, 49720.

Following visitation on Friday evening, family and friends are welcome to gather for one final toast in honor of Matty at the Villager Pub, where Matty was employed and enjoyed the company and friendships of so many.

Funeral Service:

A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 18, at Christ Lutheran Church, 1250 Boyne Ave., Boyne City, MI 49712.

There will also be visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. prior to the funeral service at Christ Lutheran Church in Boyne City.

Following the service, the funeral procession will depart from the church and travel to Brookside Cemetery in Charlevoix for the committal and burial, where Matthew will be laid to rest beside his father.

The funeral service will be live-streamed and available at the following links:

https://www.clcboyne.org/live-stream

https://www.facebook.com/christlutheranboyne

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNWU82TtGL9GOpPjhLAxY5A

Memorials may be made in honor of Matty Teuscher and received by the family. These gifts will be used to honor Matthew’s life, his love for others, and the many ways he touched those around him. The family deeply appreciates the prayers, kindness, and support extended during this time of loss.

Though our hearts are broken and his passing came far too soon, we find comfort in God’s promise of eternal life. Through his faith in Jesus Christ, Matthew has found perfect peace in the presence of his Savior.

We know Matty would not want us to focus only on the sadness of goodbye. He would want us to remember the laughter, the stories, the friendships, the hugs, and the moments that made life beautiful.

And knowing Matty, after all the hugs were given, the stories were shared, and one perfectly timed joke had everyone smiling, he would probably look around, grin, and simply say:

“Well… that’s my cue.”

And then, with that familiar Matty smile: “I’m out, bro.”

No long goodbye. No unnecessary fuss. Just Matty - comfortable, peaceful, faithful, and safe in God’s hands.

Rest easy, Matty.

Thank you for showing us how to love without condition, serve without expectation, laugh often, forgive freely, and remind everyone they mattered.

You showed us that kindness is powerful, that a gentle spirit is strength, and that even in darkness, there can still be light.

We love you. We miss you.

And until we meet again, we'll carry your light forward—one act of kindness, one welcoming smile, one hug, and one conversation at a time.

"Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men." Matthew 4:19

Fish on, thy faithful servant.

Arrangements are in the care of the Charlevoix Chapel of Mortensen Funeral Homes. Please sign his online guestbook at www.mortensenfuneralhomes.com