“Don’t be gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against death for the light.”
Matthew C. Schiller, age 40 of Spicer, exhaled his last breath on Earth and moved to the other side on Friday, September 15, 2023 holding the hands of his beloved sons. Matt bravely faced colon cancer for nearly three years with equal parts determination, charisma, and love. Although his spirit and enthusiasm for life were still bright and strong, and in fact were raging against the death of the light, Matt’s physical body had become exhausted and he stopped to take a well-deserved rest.
Matt was born on October 1, 1982 to Anthony and Diane Schiller, and grew up in Wadena, Minnesota, the youngest of his parents’ three children behind Tonya and Phil. Matt participated in a wide range of activities, showing his true character. From his days at St. Anne’s Catholic School through high school at Wadena Deer Creek, Matt played many sports including football, basketball and baseball, starred in numerous theater productions, played in the band, and participated in church and community activities. After graduating from Wadena Deer Creek High School in 2001, Matt attended College of Saint Scholastica in Duluth, Minnesota where he continued to pursue his passion, playing college basketball for the Saints and acting in college theater productions where he met lifelong friends. When Matt graduated from college in 2005, he left not only with his bachelor’s degree, but also with his future wife, Claire, by his side and their daughter, Madeline.
For the first few years after college, Matt and Claire made their home in Burnsville, Minnesota. Matt worked at Menards and then at Distinctive Cabinetry Design, learning the world of custom cabinetry. After welcoming their son Adam into the world, Matt and Claire moved their family west to Spicer, Minnesota so Matt could join his uncle Larry at Schiller Custom Cabinetry, eventually purchasing and leading the company, now known as AUM Wood Products. Matt and his family made their home on Lake Henderson and created many beautiful memories there. In true Matt busy fashion, he was involved in a little bit of everything, most notably several local theater productions. He loved playing golf, biking, yoga, cheerleading for Minnesota sports, watching movies, singing loudly, laughing hard, playing cribbage, swimming in the lake, attending concerts, and traveling with his family.
After more than two years of multiple surgeries, rounds of chemotherapy, countless procedures and hours spent in medical facilities, Matt entered hospice care in June, returned home to the lake, and set out to break records. In those 14 weeks, Matt fully embraced the beauty of his days. With a group of family and friends by his side, Matt completed numerous rounds of golf, logged miles on his bikes, practiced yoga and meditation sessions, swam nearly every day, attended Twins games, took short trips around the state with his family, and yes, even made a comeback appearance on The stage.
As in theatre, despite our sadness, the show must go on. Matt is survived by his devoted wife, Claire, and their beloved children, Madeline (20) and Adam (16). Matt is also survived and missed by his mother, Diane Schiller Anderson of Wadena, his mother-in-law, Julie Fradette (Bruce Melton) of Milaca, his uncle and aunt, Larry Schiller and Mary Beth Neal of Willmar, and siblings, Tonya (Tom) Land of. Duluth, Phil (Jenna) Schiller of Farmington, and Michael (Ashley) Taylor of Madison, NJ, as well as a loving extended family that includes many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Matt was predeceased by his father, Anthony Schiller, his father-in-law, Michael Taylor, additional father, Jerry Anderson, and his grandparents, Philip and Mary Jane Schiller, and Herbert and Gertrude Neuerberg.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to our CentraCare Willmar Hospice team. Their care and compassion are truly unparalleled. Additionally, we are grateful to our entire healthcare team who was with us every step of the way from the time of diagnosis to the time we left. You all did your best, we all did our best, but sometimes healing is simply meant to happen somewhere else.
While away for a medical weekend, Matt texted: “I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be. It’s weird and unique…but I wanted to let you know I’m okay. Full of wonder.” Honor Matthew with complete love and embrace every day. Please join us in celebrating his life on Sunday, September 24 at 4pm at the Grandstay Conference Center at Little Crow Golf Course in New London. A visitation with a Vikings game in the background will be held for two hours prior to the service. Arrangements are with Johnson Funeral Home in New London.
To send flowers to family, please visit our flower shop.
(tags to translate) Harvey Anderson & Johnson Funeral Home