Matthew James States

Matthew James States, 59, of Dannebrog, Nebraska passed away on December 19th, 2024. Memorial services will be 10:00 A.M. Monday, December 30, 2024, at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island with Reverend Tamara Holtz officiating. Inurnment will be at the Highland Park Cemetery in Ravenna at 1:30 P.M. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pheasants Forever or to a charity of the family’s choice. https://www.pheasantsforever.org/donations.aspx

Matt was born on December 30, 1964, at Grand Island, Nebraska to Forrest and Twyla (Stoddard) States. He grew up in Grand Island, where he graduated from Grand Island Senior High School in 1983 and then proceeded to attend Kearney State to play football. 

Following his time at Kearney State, Matt earned his journeyman's license to become an electrician and later obtained his electrical contractor’s license. He ran his own business on the side while also dedicating 14 years of service as an electrician for the Central Nebraska Veterans Home, where his kindness and strong work ethic made a lasting impact.

Matt played football in high school, then after being invited to the shrine bowl, he continued to play in college. After his football days ended, he continued to show his love for football by being an avid fan of his favorite football team, the Huskers, and watching his son play as a Centurion. In addition to his passion for football, Matt and his eldest brother Mike shared a love for sprint car races in Knoxville. This was a cherished activity they enjoyed together, adding to the many facets of his active life.

As a true Midwesterner, he achieved his dream of owning a ranch in the countryside outside of Dannebrog with his family. After his hard days at work, if he wasn’t watching football, you could find him outdoors; he loved hunting, spending countless mornings in the duck blind, or the tree stand. He also enjoyed spending the weekends at Calamus fishing or tubing with his four kids. Back at home, Matt took great pride in working with his horses and training his labs: honing their ability to hunt, retrieve birds, and respond to commands with precision. He was also a talented cook, whether it was smoking ribs to perfection or making his famous scotcheroos. His love for the outdoors and his family was evident in everything he did.

Matt’s legacy is one of love, laughter, and a genuine passion for the outdoors and family. A true jack of all trades, he will be deeply missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Survivors include Evelyn States, with whom he shared many years of life, Lincoln, NE; children: Zachary States of Dannebrog, NE, Stephanie (Tyler) Smith of Rapid City, SD, Hailey States (Joseph Shaffar) of Omaha, NE, and Caitlin States of Omaha, NE; granddaughter, Aliyah Smith of Rapid City, SD; brother, Mark (Cindy) States of Burwell, NE; nieces: Jennifer and Mike Ehlers, Sarah Larsen and her children, Lola and Chester; and nephews: Josh Larsen and Andrew Larsen with his daughter, Avah. 

Matt was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents, Frank and Alma Ladwig; brother, Michael Shafer; and sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Gary Larsen.