My name is Rich Hoge, I am friend of the La Belle family. On behalf of the family of Matthew La Belle, we are establishing this GoFundMe to raise funds for Matthew and Samantha's two beautiful young children Evie and Tommy. With the loss of their father at such a young age, we are hopeful that funds will help ease the burden in their lives as they grow and prosper.

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Matthew C. La Belle, age 28, of Cottage Grove, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, February 19th. His loving family and friends are heartbroken, and he will be deeply and forever missed.

Matthew was born on April 13, 1997 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Michael and Amy (Reule) La Belle. He grew up in Cottage Grove alongside his brothers, Patrick and Andrew. As a child, Matthew loved camping with his family, playing baseball and lacrosse, snowboarding, and spending time playing video games.

From the young age of 14, Matthew had his heart set on becoming a Marine. His family would drop him off at Marine Corps Poolee training each week, where he was determined to best condition and prepare himself for the future he envisioned. He graduated from Hastings High School and, shortly after, proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. His service was a great source of pride throughout his life. He was especially grateful for the extra brothers he gained along the way.

Matthew met Samantha Brahmer in middle school, and they had been together since they were 15 years old. In 2016, on one of many trips made between California and Minnesota, Matthew proposed to Samantha. In 2018, while he was serving in the Marines, the two were married. After completing his service and being honorably discharged in June of 2019, Matthew and Sam began building their life together.

From 2021 until 2024, they lived in California, where they started their family and welcomed their daughter, Evelyn. Evie loves the water, especially the beach and the ocean, just like her daddy. After returning to Minnesota, they welcomed their son, Thomas. Tommy has the gift of a calm, happy, and loving presence, just like his daddy.

Matthew loved being a husband and father. He was an amazing dad and incredibly proud of his children. He cherished time with his family and friends and was happiest when surrounded by them.

He enjoyed playing with his daughter, spending time with his family and friends, cooking new foods, playing video games, training jiu-jitsu, weightlifting, and going to the movies, always sneaking in some candy for his sweet tooth. He was strong and athletic, with “tree trunks for legs,” as those who loved him would say. He was stubborn and sarcastic at times, serious and protective, adventurous and fierce. He was also deeply considerate, a good listener, a devoted caregiver, a provider, and a man of great strength and heart.

Matthew is survived by his beloved wife, Sam; his children, Evie and Tommy; his parents, Michael and Amy La Belle; his brothers, Patrick (Felicia) La Belle and Andrew La Belle; his mother-in-law, April (Charlie Kerber) Dimmick; his father-in-law, Ken (Jean) Brahmer; along with many other relatives and close friends.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Lawrence and Karen La Belle.