Matthew Francis Paprock

MADISON - Matthew F Paprock, age 49, passed away Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at University of Wisconsin Hospital after a short illness. He is survived by his siblings, Jason (Ellen) Koehl, Madison; John-Brian Paprock, Minneapolis, MN; Dara Paprock, Austin, TX; August Roderick, Philadelphia PA; Sarah (Clay) Paprock-Barnes, Bryan, TX; and Leah (Jamie) Paprock-Schue, Austin, TX, his loving and devoted children, Amber (Brandon) Hageman and Andrew Hisel, who stayed by his side. He is further survived by two grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many other family and dear friends. He loved seeing all who came to visit him in his final days.

After serving in the army, Matt had a 20+ year career at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Madison. He loved his work with aging and disabled veterans, and embraced the opportunities to talk with them, find services to help them and caringly listened to them share their stories with him. Matt received several commendations for his compassionate care and service at the VA. He was also a proud member of American Legion Post #481, and the Forty and Eight Voiture #683.

Music was Matt's passion. He was a gifted bass player, and member of several bands. Music brought him great happiness and he shared his love for music with many, even singing songs in the hospital in his final days.

Matt treasured his motorcycle trips around the country with his brother, Jason. Together they took the back roads to undetermined destinations - serenity in the journey, not the destination.

Matt was a gentle soul with a generous heart. Some say those who have the least give the most. This most definitely was Matt. He would give a friend his last dollar and offer a stranger a helping hand. If there was a way he could help someone in need, he was there for them.

Matt was blessed with many friends and family who cared about him and loved him. Thank you to everyone who helped Matt during his times of need. Your helping hands made Matt's life more comfortable, and he cared for you all very much.

A memorial service will take place on Thursday, November 12th at 7pm at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church at 11 N 7th St in Madison. Family and friends are all invited. A Celebration of Matt's Life will be held in the summer of next year. Details will be made available at a later date. Memorials may be made to the Matthew F Paprock Memorial Fund, c/o Summit Credit Union, 401 S Yellowstone Dr., Madison, WI 53719 or any Summit Credit Union location.

God bless you, Matt. You have left us much too soon. You were much loved and will be greatly missed by your many dear friends and adoring family. We will listen for you in the wind, the water, and in nature's wild creatures. Rest in peace, good man.