Matthew K. Van Pelt

Matthew K. Van Pelt, 31, of Bettendorf, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at the University of Iowa Hospital in Iowa City after courageously facing an extended illness.

A service to celebrate Matt’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 20th at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1809 Mississippi Blvd. in Bettendorf. Visitation will be Friday, September 19th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at McGinnis-Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf, with an additional hour of visitation prior to the service on Saturday at the church. He will be laid to rest at Pleasant Valley Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital in Iowa City.

Matt was born on August 25, 1994, in Davenport, Iowa, the son of Corey and Krista (Saathoff) Van Pelt. A bright and dedicated student, he graduated from Pleasant Valley High School, Scott Community College, and Western Illinois University. For the past several years, he worked as a tax accountant with Anderson, Lower & Whitlow, PC in Bettendorf, where he was respected for his professionalism and admired for his kindness.

Matt had a creative spirit and a zest for life. He found joy in producing music, going on camping trips, casting a line while fishing, going snow skiing, and soaking in the beauty of nature. With his trademark sense of fun, Matt even mastered the unicycle—something that brought plenty of smiles to his family and friends.

Above all, Matt’s greatest joy was his family. He cherished time spent with them, whether in everyday moments or special celebrations, and especially adored being “Uncle Matt” to his nephew, James.

Those left to honor his memory include his loving parents, Corey and Krista Van Pelt of Bettendorf; his sister, Vanessa (Brandon) Pugh of Bettendorf, and their son, James; his grandmothers, Sherry Van Pelt of Bettendorf and Kay (Jim) McDaniel of Port Byron, Illinois; his aunt and uncle, Sarah (Mark) Kraeszig of Volo, Illinois; his uncle and aunt, Kevin (Roberta) Saathoff of Rapids City, Illinois; his cousins, Alesha (Kyle) Einheuser, Jason (Sarah) Kraeszig, Mark (Kristy) Saathoff, and Brian Saathoff; along with many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Tunie Van Pelt and Jake Saathoff, and his uncle, Kent Saathoff.

Matt’s kind heart, quick wit, and joyful spirit will be deeply missed but never forgotten.