Matthew John Graeser

Matthew John Graeser, 44, of Evans, Georgia, passed away peacefully on January 23, 2025, in the arms of his beloved wife, Marlee, surrounded by his favorite things, after a courageous 2 ½-year battle with ALS. 

Born on May 11, 1980, in Waverly, Iowa, Matt was the cherished second son of Dan and Mary (Kruse) Graeser. Matt was baptized and confirmed at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa, and attended St. Paul’s Lutheran School. He graduated from Waverly-Shell Rock High School in 1998. A lifelong, dedicated professional, Matt earned his undergraduate degree in Manufacturing Technology from the University of Northern Iowa and his Master of Science in Engineering from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. He spent 23 years at John Deere, where his expertise, integrity, and dedication earned him deep respect and admiration.

On November 23, 2016, Matt married the love of his life, Marlee (O’Brien), in Niagara Falls, one of his favorite places. Together, they built a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. Their three children, James (13), Hattyn (7), and Jaxton (7), were his greatest pride and joy.

Matt’s passions extended beyond his work and family. He enjoyed playing guitar, attending concerts (he attended 514!), traveling, and exploring the beauty of nature. He and Marlee shared a cherished tradition of visiting a new waterfall every anniversary, symbolizing their love for life and each other. Matt was fiercely protected by his devoted dog, Dixie, and his lap was always warmed by his faithful companion, Dash, whose presence brought him boundless laughter and joy.

 Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents Eldo, Rena Kruse, Virgil, and Martha Graeser.

Matt is survived by his wife, Marlee; their children, James, Hattyn, and Jaxton of Evans, Georgia; his parents, Dan and Mary Graeser of Waverly, Iowa; and his brother, Mark Graeser; his wife, Megan, and their children, Shaun, Nathan, and Alison of Littleton Colorado. He is also survived by his loyal dogs, Dixie and Dash, and many extended family members and friends who were blessed to know him.

Matt’s life will be celebrated on February 15, 2025, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Marlee will host a Celebration of Life in Georgia at Matt’s favorite local brewery, Savannah River Brewing Co., at a later date.

Matt will always be remembered for his unwavering strength, boundless love, infectious smile, joyful laugh that touched countless lives, and the inspiration he brought to everyone around him.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to their local ALS Clinic in honor of Matt’s life and his courageous fight against ALS or directly to the family. https://www.augusta.edu/giving/gift.php?fund=210780

 Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Rd., Augusta, GA 30907 (706) 364-8484.