Matthew Lee Bongen, 62, of Lafayette, died unexpectedly at 1:07 pm, Sunday, June 7, 2020 at his home. He was born in Lafayette on May 1, 1958 to the late Robert and Ann (Cunningham) Bongen. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Management from Purdue University. OnContinue Reading
Matthew Lee Bongen, 62, of Lafayette, died unexpectedly at 1:07 pm, Sunday, June 7, 2020 at his home.
He was born in Lafayette on May 1, 1958 to the late Robert and Ann (Cunningham) Bongen. He was a graduate of Central Catholic High School and earned his Bachelor’s degree in Management from Purdue University. On July 17, 1981 he married his best friend and forever love, Ellen M. Bongen in Lafayette.
Matt worked as a Team Leader in Conveyance at Subaru of Indiana Automotive (SIA). He was an avid Purdue and Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed relaxing by the pool and drinking IPA’s. He also enjoyed outdoor activities and was seen by many in the community while he was jogging or bicycling often. Matt loved to explore National Parks and taking cross country road trips with his son, Kyle, as well as visiting him in Indianapolis to experience the Monon Trail and Breweries. Matt was the greatest PAPA, and nothing brought him more joy than the time he spent with his grandboy’s and his daughter and son-in-law. Matt cherished his family and they adored him. His leadership, guidance, and love will be missed so much! He was seen as a mentor of others who will be forever impacted
Along with his wife Ellen, Matt is survived by his children, Kara (Steve) Bunch of Lafayette and Kyle (Emily) Bongen of Indianapolis; 2 grandsons, Easton and Beckett Bunch of Lafayette; 4 sisters, Cathy (Jim) Connell of Burnettsville, Debby (John) Cooper of Lafayette, Faith (Fritz) Sadtler of Browsnburg, and Ellen (Bud) Wright of Sheridan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Bob and Ann Bongen; and his twin sister, Eve Bongen.
Memorial contributions in Matthew’s name may be given to the National Park Foundation, Attn: Gift Processing, PO Box 17394, Baltimore, MD, 21298-9450 or at www.nationalparks.org or to Riley Children’s Hospital at Riley Children’s Foundation, 30 S. Meridian St., Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204-3509 or at www.rileychildrens.org.
Visitation will be from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Tuesday, June 16, 2020, at Soller-Baker Funeral Home & Crematory, 400 Twyckenham Blvd, Lafayette, IN 47909. The family asks that you wear Purdue or Cubs attire to honor Matt.
Jeff Martin
left a message on June 18, 2020:
A wonderful person who treated others well. Matt had a great sense of humor which was very much appreciated during the often long hours at SIA. Gone way to soon. Our prayers for the family.
Ellen Wright
left a message on June 17, 2020:
I remember when Matt and Eve came home from the hospital, I was so excited to finally have a baby brother. I would pretend I was their mom, this was fun until Eve rolled off the cedar chest. We had so much playing as kids, kick soccer, riding our bikes everywhere, having lemonade stands and having plays in our side yard with the neighborhood kids. Matt’s orneriness started at a young, my sisters and I would take sheets and blankets then make a tent over the clothesline our brother would come along and take the clothespins off. I can still hear him laughing as he ran away. Of course if we told Dad he wouldn’t do anything because he was spoiled by him dearly. If Matt found something to tease you about he did it nonstop, I worked for Superior 4 when a month had a fifth Wednesday our Judge would have his staff go to a court in another county to get ideas in improving our system. Of course this day including a nice lunch and shopping. Matt would give me a hard time about this so my coworkers and I would always send him a picture. Our Mom collected Emmet Kelley. When my siblings and I divided up our parents items my sister, Debby picked several of these. When Matt would be at Debby’s house he would say how did you get so many Emmet Kelley, did you sneak into their house when no one was there! I could go on and on about Matt’s teasing. This is one of the many things I’m going to miss about my brother. I also I’m going to miss being at your pool reminiscing and if you were at work sending pictures of us at your pool. Seeing you at Purdue football games tailgating also at the grandkids baseball games. I really felt all the love everyone has for you at your showing last night but I still want someone to say this is a bad dream and hear you finding something new to tease me about.
Carolyn Kalberer Foust
left a message on June 17, 2020:
I am deeply shocked and saddened to read of Matt’s passing. I remember him as a very cute and happy little boy. As a man he was always very kind and generous, he was a good man who loved his family. May God be with you all.
Carolyn
Tim Gress
left a message on June 16, 2020:
On behalf of myself and many other SIA workers, I want to send out our condolences to Ellen and the rest of Matt's family. Matt will be missed by many. He was truly a great friend. He was a laid back kind of guy and wasn't a big talker. But the way he carried himself spoke greatly to me and many others at SIA. He had our respect as a co-worker & a friend. My prayers will be with his family. May God bless of of you.
Lynn Onorato Spartz
left a message on June 15, 2020:
So deeply saddened to hear about Matt. He and your Family will be in my prayers. He was a fellow 76’ classmate & we will miss him!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dave Butz
left a message on June 15, 2020:
Thoughts and prayers to Matt's family and friends. Matt was always a fun loving, caring and helpful person. Peace to his family as they cherish his memories in this trying time.
Wayne Doppelfeld
left a message on June 15, 2020:
My condolences go out to Matt’s family. I lost touch with Matt over the years as our lives went on in different ways after we graduated from Purdue. It really hits home when one of my buddies from grade school, high school, and college passes on. We did so much growing up together. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live those formative years with Matt in the mix. I remember he always had a way of making things better because of his friendship. I am sure he will be missed and remembered in a special way by all those whose life he touched. I have nothing but fond memories of Matt.
Kate Patrick
left a message on June 15, 2020:
In memory of Matthew "Matt" Lee Bongen, Kate Patrick lit a candle
Pam Richert
left a message on June 15, 2020:
Kara, l am so sorry to hear about your dad. My heart goes out to you and your family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark T. Beck
left a message on June 14, 2020:
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this time of sorrow. Matt always had a smile on face and time to talk about the old days living across the street from each other. May God Bless the family. Rest In Peace
Mark T. Beck
left a message on June 14, 2020:
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this time of sorrow. Matt always had a smile on face and time to talk about the old days living across the street from each other. May God Bless the family. Rest In Peace
Kenny & Michelle Cripe
left a message on June 14, 2020:
With deepest condolences . We are thinking about you and the kids at this difficult time.
Brett peden
left a message on June 13, 2020:
My condolences to the family. Your family is in my Prayers
Jeff LaFon
left a message on June 13, 2020:
So sorry Ellen and family to hear of Matt’s passing. Have plenty of past memories that make me chuckle and laugh from the times we ran around together. He was always a good friend back in the days. The world is a poorer place without him.
Teresa (Terri O'Brien) Brewer
left a message on June 13, 2020:
My sincere, heartfelt condolences to all of Matt's family. Having experienced the unexpected loss of my husband and both of my parents over the last 2 years, I can imagine the grief you are feeling with Matt's loss.
I remember Matt well from High School and then later on while working in Human
Relations at SIA. I know he was a valued employee and his loss there will be felt by many.
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss,
Teresa
Carol Compliment
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I’m so sorry to hear about Matt. I grew up on Perrine St right around the corner from Matt. I was in the same grade as Matt and Eve. We walked to Matt’s for a birthday party in grade school. My maiden name was Reuzenaar. My husband and I went to St Lawrence and CC. Matt was such a nice guy. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. John and Compliment.
Faith Sadtler
left a message on June 12, 2020:
My brother, Matt, left us way too soon. I have been thinking of how you lived your life to the fullest. You had a demanding job, that a lot of times required overtime, but you always made your family your top priority. From everyday things, to all the kids, and grandkids school and sports activities, to all the Purdue games, to all the fantastic vacations you and Ellen, and your family took, being with family was always first. One of my fondest memories from when we were kids, is how you and I would stay up late to watch “Sammy Terry’s Nightmare Theatre”. I always loved that time together. I’m not sure what to do without you here with us. You will always be in my heart. Your loving sister, Faith
Frank Lane
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Rest in peace Matt, prayers for your family
David Leingang
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Hey Matt I guess you can meet up with my son Gabriel and girlfriend Deborah. I know you're in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your past CC classmate David RIP.?
Bradley Schetzsle
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Ellen, Kara and Kyle. My heartfelt sympathies are with you.
Matt was a excellent man, classmate and friend. He would always be on hand when any of us "Out of towners" would get back to Lafayette. I have a Bongen for a brother-in-law so always felt a connection with him. May the memories of his kindness and smile fill your hearts in this time of loss.
Rest in peace my friend and forever a CC76er.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Deb Kouns
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I just wanted to say how sorry I was Ellen. Worked around Matt a lot of years. Worked with you the first year.
Brook Kessinger
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Matt will be missed.
Greg Bongen
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Ellen, Kara & Kyle and family accept Natalie and my condolences. We were shocked to hear the tragic news of Matts untimely passing. I did not keep in touch, but when we spoke at cousin Rolonda's funeral, we discovered we shared the same passion for cycling, and had planned to do a Monon Trail ride next time I was back in Indiana. I'm bummed that I won't have the opportunity to ride with him.
Our thoughts are with your family,
Cousin Greg Bongen & Natalie Ascencios
Scott Brown
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Matt for 30 years at Subaru. His face would light up every time he spoke about taking his grandchildren to the Purdue games. He loved his many adventures with his son. Our deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Scott and Jacqueline Brown
Tim Weaver
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Matt, you are one of my best friends of all time. We had so many great times together. Going on CYO basketball trips with Harry Bradway. Going to Florida on Spring Break is a cherished memory. More recently I enjoyed sharing laughs with you at your Purdue Football tailgates. I will miss you very...very...much. Rest in peace good Buddy.
Marty Utley
left a message on June 12, 2020:
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God bless. Marty Utley
Tim Farrell
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Always quick with a smile and laughter. You will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace fellow classmate.
Juana Myers
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Work hasn't been the same without you there old man! We miss you! Rest in peace Matt!
-S.S. ?
Jim Burks
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I cannot find the words to express the sadness for the loss of my childhood friend. I have known Matt since kindergarten and even though our lives went separate ways, I will always remember him as a great person, full of laughter and optimism, but most of all, as a friend that could be counted upon...under any circumstance. I remember the many days spent at each others home; those were great times and they will never be forgotten. Rest well my friend as you have provided many with blessed memories.
Eric Collins
left a message on June 12, 2020:
My friend, you will be missed greatly. You will always have a place in my thoughts. Much love yo you bro.
Brennan, Michelle, and Isabel Burke
left a message on June 11, 2020:
We love you and you will be missed by all.
Cathy Bongen Connell
left a message on June 11, 2020:
Words cannot express the pain I'm feeling @ the loss of my brother. He was one of a kind. Jokster, funny, kind caring, a good boss from the tributes I've read online, athletic, adventurous, & the biggest Boilermaker fan. He loved to tease his sisters and we would tease back & say he was our "favorite brother".May you rest in peace and remember I love you to the moon and back. Till we meet again, may God hold you in the palms of his hands.?
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Jeff Martin
left a message on June 18, 2020:
A wonderful person who treated others well. Matt had a great sense of humor which was very much appreciated during the often long hours at SIA. Gone way to soon. Our prayers for the family.
Ellen Wright
left a message on June 17, 2020:
I remember when Matt and Eve came home from the hospital, I was so excited to finally have a baby brother. I would pretend I was their mom, this was fun until Eve rolled off the cedar chest. We had so much playing as kids, kick soccer, riding our bikes everywhere, having lemonade stands and having plays in our side yard with the neighborhood kids. Matt’s orneriness started at a young, my sisters and I would take sheets and blankets then make a tent over the clothesline our brother would come along and take the clothespins off. I can still hear him laughing as he ran away. Of course if we told Dad he wouldn’t do anything because he was spoiled by him dearly. If Matt found something to tease you about he did it nonstop, I worked for Superior 4 when a month had a fifth Wednesday our Judge would have his staff go to a court in another county to get ideas in improving our system. Of course this day including a nice lunch and shopping. Matt would give me a hard time about this so my coworkers and I would always send him a picture. Our Mom collected Emmet Kelley. When my siblings and I divided up our parents items my sister, Debby picked several of these. When Matt would be at Debby’s house he would say how did you get so many Emmet Kelley, did you sneak into their house when no one was there! I could go on and on about Matt’s teasing. This is one of the many things I’m going to miss about my brother. I also I’m going to miss being at your pool reminiscing and if you were at work sending pictures of us at your pool. Seeing you at Purdue football games tailgating also at the grandkids baseball games. I really felt all the love everyone has for you at your showing last night but I still want someone to say this is a bad dream and hear you finding something new to tease me about.
Carolyn Kalberer Foust
left a message on June 17, 2020:
I am deeply shocked and saddened to read of Matt’s passing. I remember him as a very cute and happy little boy. As a man he was always very kind and generous, he was a good man who loved his family. May God be with you all.
Carolyn
Tim Gress
left a message on June 16, 2020:
On behalf of myself and many other SIA workers, I want to send out our condolences to Ellen and the rest of Matt's family. Matt will be missed by many. He was truly a great friend. He was a laid back kind of guy and wasn't a big talker. But the way he carried himself spoke greatly to me and many others at SIA. He had our respect as a co-worker & a friend. My prayers will be with his family. May God bless of of you.
Lynn Onorato Spartz
left a message on June 15, 2020:
So deeply saddened to hear about Matt. He and your Family will be in my prayers. He was a fellow 76’ classmate & we will miss him!
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Dave Butz
left a message on June 15, 2020:
Thoughts and prayers to Matt's family and friends. Matt was always a fun loving, caring and helpful person. Peace to his family as they cherish his memories in this trying time.
Wayne Doppelfeld
left a message on June 15, 2020:
My condolences go out to Matt’s family. I lost touch with Matt over the years as our lives went on in different ways after we graduated from Purdue. It really hits home when one of my buddies from grade school, high school, and college passes on. We did so much growing up together. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to live those formative years with Matt in the mix. I remember he always had a way of making things better because of his friendship. I am sure he will be missed and remembered in a special way by all those whose life he touched. I have nothing but fond memories of Matt.
Kate Patrick
left a message on June 15, 2020:
In memory of Matthew "Matt" Lee Bongen, Kate Patrick lit a candle
Pam Richert
left a message on June 15, 2020:
Kara, l am so sorry to hear about your dad. My heart goes out to you and your family. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers.
Mark T. Beck
left a message on June 14, 2020:
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this time of sorrow. Matt always had a smile on face and time to talk about the old days living across the street from each other. May God Bless the family. Rest In Peace
Mark T. Beck
left a message on June 14, 2020:
My heartfelt condolences go out to the family at this time of sorrow. Matt always had a smile on face and time to talk about the old days living across the street from each other. May God Bless the family. Rest In Peace
Kenny & Michelle Cripe
left a message on June 14, 2020:
With deepest condolences . We are thinking about you and the kids at this difficult time.
Brett peden
left a message on June 13, 2020:
My condolences to the family. Your family is in my Prayers
Jeff LaFon
left a message on June 13, 2020:
So sorry Ellen and family to hear of Matt’s passing. Have plenty of past memories that make me chuckle and laugh from the times we ran around together. He was always a good friend back in the days. The world is a poorer place without him.
Teresa (Terri O'Brien) Brewer
left a message on June 13, 2020:
My sincere, heartfelt condolences to all of Matt's family. Having experienced the unexpected loss of my husband and both of my parents over the last 2 years, I can imagine the grief you are feeling with Matt's loss.
I remember Matt well from High School and then later on while working in Human
Relations at SIA. I know he was a valued employee and his loss there will be felt by many.
Again, I'm so sorry for your loss,
Teresa
Carol Compliment
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I’m so sorry to hear about Matt. I grew up on Perrine St right around the corner from Matt. I was in the same grade as Matt and Eve. We walked to Matt’s for a birthday party in grade school. My maiden name was Reuzenaar. My husband and I went to St Lawrence and CC. Matt was such a nice guy. You will be in our thoughts and prayers. John and Compliment.
Faith Sadtler
left a message on June 12, 2020:
My brother, Matt, left us way too soon. I have been thinking of how you lived your life to the fullest. You had a demanding job, that a lot of times required overtime, but you always made your family your top priority. From everyday things, to all the kids, and grandkids school and sports activities, to all the Purdue games, to all the fantastic vacations you and Ellen, and your family took, being with family was always first. One of my fondest memories from when we were kids, is how you and I would stay up late to watch “Sammy Terry’s Nightmare Theatre”. I always loved that time together. I’m not sure what to do without you here with us. You will always be in my heart. Your loving sister, Faith
Frank Lane
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Rest in peace Matt, prayers for your family
David Leingang
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Hey Matt I guess you can meet up with my son Gabriel and girlfriend Deborah. I know you're in a better place. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Your past CC classmate David RIP.?
Bradley Schetzsle
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Ellen, Kara and Kyle. My heartfelt sympathies are with you.
Matt was a excellent man, classmate and friend. He would always be on hand when any of us "Out of towners" would get back to Lafayette. I have a Bongen for a brother-in-law so always felt a connection with him. May the memories of his kindness and smile fill your hearts in this time of loss.
Rest in peace my friend and forever a CC76er.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Deb Kouns
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I just wanted to say how sorry I was Ellen. Worked around Matt a lot of years. Worked with you the first year.
Brook Kessinger
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Very sorry for your loss. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. Matt will be missed.
Greg Bongen
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Ellen, Kara & Kyle and family accept Natalie and my condolences. We were shocked to hear the tragic news of Matts untimely passing. I did not keep in touch, but when we spoke at cousin Rolonda's funeral, we discovered we shared the same passion for cycling, and had planned to do a Monon Trail ride next time I was back in Indiana. I'm bummed that I won't have the opportunity to ride with him.
Our thoughts are with your family,
Cousin Greg Bongen & Natalie Ascencios
Scott Brown
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I am so sorry for your loss. I worked with Matt for 30 years at Subaru. His face would light up every time he spoke about taking his grandchildren to the Purdue games. He loved his many adventures with his son. Our deepest condolences to the family. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Scott and Jacqueline Brown
Tim Weaver
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Matt, you are one of my best friends of all time. We had so many great times together. Going on CYO basketball trips with Harry Bradway. Going to Florida on Spring Break is a cherished memory. More recently I enjoyed sharing laughs with you at your Purdue Football tailgates. I will miss you very...very...much. Rest in peace good Buddy.
Marty Utley
left a message on June 12, 2020:
My deepest thoughts and prayers go out to the family. God bless. Marty Utley
Tim Farrell
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Always quick with a smile and laughter. You will be greatly missed. Rest In Peace fellow classmate.
Juana Myers
left a message on June 12, 2020:
Work hasn't been the same without you there old man! We miss you! Rest in peace Matt!
-S.S. ?
Jim Burks
left a message on June 12, 2020:
I cannot find the words to express the sadness for the loss of my childhood friend. I have known Matt since kindergarten and even though our lives went separate ways, I will always remember him as a great person, full of laughter and optimism, but most of all, as a friend that could be counted upon...under any circumstance. I remember the many days spent at each others home; those were great times and they will never be forgotten. Rest well my friend as you have provided many with blessed memories.
Eric Collins
left a message on June 12, 2020:
My friend, you will be missed greatly. You will always have a place in my thoughts. Much love yo you bro.
Brennan, Michelle, and Isabel Burke
left a message on June 11, 2020:
We love you and you will be missed by all.
Cathy Bongen Connell
left a message on June 11, 2020:
Words cannot express the pain I'm feeling @ the loss of my brother. He was one of a kind. Jokster, funny, kind caring, a good boss from the tributes I've read online, athletic, adventurous, & the biggest Boilermaker fan. He loved to tease his sisters and we would tease back & say he was our "favorite brother".May you rest in peace and remember I love you to the moon and back. Till we meet again, may God hold you in the palms of his hands.?
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.