Matthew S. Ulmen

Funeral Service 3:00 p.m., Sunday, February 10, 2019 at Mankato Mortuary, 1001 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato.  Visitation will be from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the Mortuary.  Memorials are preferred to the Tuberous Sclerosis Alliance.

Matt was born April 3, 1974 to Steven and Ida (Hall) Ulmen in Mankato. Shortly after Matt’s birth, he developed a seizure disorder for which he was placed on barbituates, which helped control the seizures but which produced many, many side effects. He was hyperactive, late to walk, and the Institute for Reading Development at Good Counsel intervened to help out. They did PT, had him walking on balance bars, etc. This helped him immensely. He was considered to be epileptic, but by the early 1980’s, Matt’s disorder was identified as Tuberous Sclerosis by the Mayo Clinic. After his 18th birthday he applied for and was granted a disability stipend.

In his younger years, Matt traveled with his family for employment purposes. During this time, the family lived in Mankato, Madison Lake, Sioux Falls SD, and Montevideo, MN

As new drugs were developed, Matt blossomed. His classroom behavior and grades improved significantly by high school, as did his social skills. He was good at math. He also learned to drive. He enrolled in some post graduate training which he pursued for a short time.

 
In response to a request for assistance from a mother he met online, Matt moved to Wenatchee, Washington in about 1998 and helped with parenting and financial assistance. His performance in Washington is best described by Shillanda Shaver, whom he helped parent.

It is with a heavy heart that I wish a very close family friend and a wonderful person farewell today. Matthew Ulmen, you were without a doubt a huge part of me and my family’s life. Thanks for the rides to school those mornings. And for watching my brother and I at the pool those hot summer days when no one else would. Thanks for helping me deliver newspapers at 2:30 a.m. on Thanksgiving Day. 3 routes were ridiculous. Thanks for stepping up and putting yourself out there for my family. You introduced me to Charles Shultz and NPR. You were a staple in my adolescent life. I don’t think I ever really told you that, and now I won’t have the chance. I hope you are on stage acting with snoopy and all your favorites. You were truly one of a kind. Love you. Rest in peace, my wonderful friend. You will be deeply missed.”

In 2011, Matthew returned to Mankato to help out his parents in their retirement. After a short stay at home, he took up residence at Orness Plaza. He worked at Guenther’s café until it closed, and then, secured seasonal employment at Buy Fun where he worked part time until the time of his death. He became actively involved, both onstage and offstage, with the Merely Players and various online gaming groups, remained close to family and the Orness community, and developed many new friendships. He hosted a podcast. He supported GLBT. He took up karaoke and trivia and joined the free thinker’s group. He enjoyed and was a fan of Lonesome Ron. He often could be found enjoying a cup of joe at the Coffee Haag. He was no stranger to the Dork Den and Double Play. He also took a shine to poetry and short story writing as a leisure time activity.

Matt was shy but friendly, and liked to be a helper and to please others. He was quite a computer and technology whiz, and fixed his dad’s computer on numerous occasions. His driver’s license said he was an organ donor.

Matt, you were a wonderful and inspirational supporter of friends and family. You made your mother and father very proud of you. We are honored to have you as our son, and are grateful we had you for 44 years. Dad says he hopes you enjoy eternity in your version of San Junipero. Our thanks to the Blue Earth County Sheriff’s Department, the Crisis Intervention Team, Mankato Mortuary, family, friends, and all others who helped and lent support at this time. It is appreciated.

Matthew is survived by parents, Steven and Ida of Mankato; sister, Laura (Paul) Estby of Anoka, and two nieces, Sophia Pearl and Charlotte Opal.  He was preceded in death by grandparents.