Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
Fulkerson - Stevenson Funeral Home
Springan - Stevenson Funeral Home
It Is Our Privilege And Purpose To Serve You
Matthew L. Vannatta
January 20, 1966 - November 25, 2024

Place of Birth: Tioga, North Dakota
Residence: Williston, ND formerly of Bainville, MT
Age: 58



Matthew Lynn Vannatta, known for his love of being outdoors, sharp wit, and hard-working spirit, passed away on November 25, 2024, at the age of 58 from natural causes at his home west of Williston, ND. He went out as he wanted– without fuss or being a burden on anyone.

Matt was born on January 20, 1966, to Marlyn and Karen (Rossland) Vannatta, in Tioga, ND, into a family that valued the land, hard work, and a good sense of humor.

He moved with his family to Parshall, ND, at the age of 2. Even at that young age, Matt was developing a hard-charging personality. His parents owned Parshall Wesco Propane, and he often would be helping his dad deliver propane or work on heating systems.

When Matt was 9, the family moved to Bainville, MT, where his family farmed and ranched 1,700+ acres. Growing up, Matt was a true son of the Montana plains. He loved the outdoors, driving the heavy equipment, working the cattle, sheep, pigs, and chickens. His CB handle was “Choreboy,” and his parents depended on him to keep the animals fed.

Matt graduated from Bainville High School in 1984. He was active in basketball, the school play, FFA, and random mischief. He received several reprimands for burping in the halls of BHS, and, oh, how he could make that burp echo. It was more akin to a lion’s roar!

Matt attended the North Dakota State School of Science in Wahpeton, ND, where he earned an associate’s degree in electronics. It didn’t take long for him to realize that a desk job wasn’t in his future. He needed fresh air, hands-on work, and the satisfaction of getting his hands dirty.

In 1987, he began his 37-year career at Franz Construction, where he worked with heavy equipment, building everything from roads to oil sites. Whether operating bulldozers or scrapers, Matt took great pride in his work, knowing that his craftsmanship would stand the test of time. His colleagues admired his ability to think on his feet, solve problems on the spot, and keep a job moving forward no matter the obstacle.

Matt was also an inventor in his own right. When faced with a problem on the job site, he often engineered creative solutions, building tools, or modifying machines to get the job done. His knack for finding practical solutions to complex problems became one of his trademarks. Matt even built a ½ mile zipline for his nephews and nieces in his own pasture.

In the summer of 1990, Matt’s life took a turn when he attended a celebratory party for an annual trail ride over Labor Day weekend. That night, as the music played and the laughter echoed, a 5’3” long-haired, brown-eyed girl caught his eye. Matt, never one to shy away from speaking his mind, asked her to dance. With a little liquid courage, he told her, “I’m going to marry you someday.” True to his word, after a short but whirlwind courtship, Matt married Carla Jane Huck on June 1, 1991.

Matt faced challenges in life with the same head-strong way he approached everything. In July of 1996, he was in a car accident that broke his back in two places. Those injuries usually end in paralysis, but Matt would not allow that to be his fate. Then in March of 2011, Matt and Carla lost their home and belongings to a house fire. Since he wasn’t one to sit back and say “woe is me,” within days he was digging out the rubble and preparing the site for a new home to be built and configuring a way to get water to his cows.

Matt spent most of his life being a workaholic, but the travel bug finally caught up to him, and he was always planning his next adventure. He considered himself semi-retired and had a goal of taking a trip at least once a month. Matt also enjoyed preparing the soil for planting and digging the potatoes and carrots in Carla’s garden. He spent most of his free time working in the shop repairing equipment, building what he needed to keep everything in working order, or helping friends with their repairs.

Matt was a member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, a member of the Knights of Columbus, a Judson Township Supervisor, and Vice-Chair of C.A.R.E.S.

Known for his honesty and straightforward nature, Matt didn’t mince words—but always with a sense of humor that kept those around him laughing. He loved to tease his friends and family, and his jokes were a constant source of amusement. Whether he was playfully ribbing a coworker or sharing a light-hearted story, his infectious laughter made every day a little brighter. His teasing was never mean-spirited; it was all in good fun; and if you were lucky enough to be on the receiving end, you knew it was just Matt's way of showing you he cared. Numerous people would even tell you Matt was their best friend.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Carla; his mother, Karen; his brothers: Shane Vannatta (Jon Freeland), JC Vannatta (Travis Phillips), and Jeremy Vannatta; half-sisters: Becky (Tom) Selander and Rachel Vannatta; brothers- and sisters-in-law: Douglas (Twila) Huck, Marcy Huck, Robert (Karen) Huck, Beth Huck, David Huck, Sheila (Chris) Walls, and Jason (Beret) Huck; nephews and nieces: Tyler, Caden, Luke, Gavin, Mariah (Lucas), Nyland, Addison (Alexis), Amanda, Angela, Grayson, Tyias (Chelsey), Lane (Courtney), Chloe, Sam, Aidon, Sarah, Kieran and Zacharias; godchildren: Allen, Jackie, Chance, Marisa, Katia, and Kennedy; great nephews and nieces: Taylor, Rylei, Jordan, Vyolette, Brady, Trey, Saylor, Kadyn, and Briar; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and colleagues who were touched by his kindness, humor, and honest nature.

He is preceded in death by his father Marlyn, who meant the world to him; his mother-in-law Mary Jane Huck; and numerous grandparents, uncles and aunts.

Matt had a large personality and ran at life. The following quote captures Matt’s approach: “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’” Indeed, Matt had a wondrous ride!







Memorial Contribution
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Catholic Foundation of Western North Dakota, Seminarian Scholarship Fund, PO Box 1175, Bismarck, ND 58501 or to Bainville Dollars for Scholars, PO Box 58, Bainville, MT 59212.

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Todd K Horob (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma )
Nov 27, 2024
Matt will be missed dearly
Jim & Leann (Sidney, MT)
Nov 27, 2024
Carla, we are thinking of you and sending prayers.
Darcy DeTienne (Rapid City, SD)
Nov 27, 2024
Matt will be so missed. His laughter, his heartfelt teasing, his mischievousness, that twinkle in his eye, and his love for his friends and family. RIP, my friend. My heart goes out to his family.
Butch Zieske (Richey , MT)
Nov 27, 2024
I taught in Bainville for three years. Matt was one that made that experience enjoyable. Sorry for your loss I am sure he will be missed.
Paula Hansen Schilke (Williston)
Nov 27, 2024
Matt and I would always greet each other, "well, it's Paula Hansen, "well, it's Matt Vannatta". Followed by a tight, genuine hug. The banter back and forth was fun, a lighthearted teasing. Looked forward to seeing him in Horizon Resources. Always a bright spot! You were one of the good guys, Matt Vannatta. See you on the other side.
Brenda Ward (Sabetha , KS )
Nov 27, 2024
Matt was a great guy and I always enjoyed a good conversation when he was a customer at the store and a few good laughs. I'm sorry to hear of his passing and my thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Duane and Kathy Binde (Williston, ND)
Nov 27, 2024
Carla, we are so sorry to learn of Matthew’s death. Please know we are holding you in our prayers. I personally loved his smile and humor and his wonderful faith. God bless, Duane and Kathy
Steven mortenson (Williston, ND)
Nov 27, 2024
Matt was awesome guy he will be truly missed in the community
Denise Barth
Nov 27, 2024
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Carla, and your family.
Jeremy and Tonya Brenner (Williston , ND)
Nov 27, 2024
Matt was an incredibly warm and funny person. He will be greatly missed!
Shelly Obergfell (Fairview, MT)
Nov 27, 2024
Carla, my heart goes out to you. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
L. Bell
Nov 28, 2024
I can’t say I knew Matthew. I only met him once. In Missoula. Early 90’s. However, he is forever in the memory of myself and a few of my friends. Thirty some years later he is still referenced. To the Vannatta family, especially his mother, and those close to him, I’m so sorry for your loss.
Nancy Sylte Keller (Edinburg, Texas)
Nov 29, 2024
My deepest condolences to you Carla. Matt was an amazing guy. He always had a smile to share and high spirited laugh to make anyone comfortable in his presents. May the memories and stories shared bring you comfort knowing that Matt was very loved.
Gerald L. & Cheryl Halvorson (Williston, nd)
Nov 29, 2024
Matt was a Excellent Friend to the north of us. He was always there for a or comment. He will be Sadly Missed. Sorry for your loss.
Heather Leier (Minot, ND)
Nov 29, 2024
Carla, you are in our thoughts and prayers. From all of us at Vitalant.
Bonnie R Tuttle (Columbia Falls, MT)
Nov 29, 2024
Karen and all of Matt's family. I am sorry to hear of Matt's passing. Just finished reading what was written about him in his obituary. Sounds like an amazing Man to have as a son, brother, husband and friend. I would have liked to have known him.
Julie Albertson (Martens) (Parshall , ND)
Nov 30, 2024
Vannetta family, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I lived across the street from you during your time in Parshall.
Julie Treib (Mandan, ND)
Nov 30, 2024
Treasure your beautiful memories and adventures...keep them alive by sharing with others. My heart is saddened to hear this. May you always know God is with you always!
Lori Olson (Trenton, ND)
Nov 30, 2024
Sorry for your loss, and deepest sympathies Carla and family. Prayers
Charmaine and Randy Riedel (Lewistown , Montana )
Nov 30, 2024
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.
Ira E Compton.III (Bismarck, ND)
Nov 30, 2024
Matt was a great person to talk with...A mentor and friend who spoke practically with me. His sense of humor was also great!
God Bless Matt!!
Ira
Dwight Richter, KC’S Grand Knight (Williston , ND)
Nov 30, 2024
Dear Carla and Family,

On behalf of the Knights of Columbus Council 1798, please accept our sincerest condolences. Matt will be greatly missed and was always one of the first to volunteer to help. On a personal note, we have lost a brother, a good friend and truly someone who embraced our Catholic faith. Please know he will forever be missed and in our prayers.


Roni Gravgaard (Williston , ND)
Dec 1, 2024
I’m so sorry for your loss Carla. Prayers for you and all of Matt’s family and friends.
Tim Lebsock (Williston , ND)
Dec 1, 2024
Carla, Karen and family, my sincere condolences on Matt's passing to be with the Lord. What a great legacy he leaves of smiles, a never quit attitude, encouraging all he came in contact with usually with a little kidding and a twinkle in his eye. We are all the richer for having known him and look forward to him kidding us when we see him again... took yah long enough sunshine!
Scott Greenwood (Sidney , MT)
Dec 1, 2024
Always enjoyed working with, or just talking to Matt. He had a depth of knowledge and the ability to apply it, along with a sense of humor if maybe you didn't always agree.
Joe & Karla Jackman (Williston)
Dec 2, 2024
Matt was one of the good guys! Always friendly and up for a visit! Prayers for Matt's family!
Lori (Krogen) Sondag (Bismarck, ND)
Dec 2, 2024
My thoughts and prayers go out to Karen and family. My family had the pleasure of being friends with the Vannatta family when they lived in Parshall. My sincerest condolences.
Glen & Anne Beard (Watford City, ND)
Dec 2, 2024
We are very sorry for your loss. He was a dear friend of our Brother, Daryl Beard. He thought so much of him God Bless.
Rena Stieg Helberg (Williston)
Dec 4, 2024
Carla: so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. We'll be thinking of you, praying for your comfort. May God bless you.
Lane Knudsen (Williston , ND)
Dec 5, 2024
Matt was a man of conviction. He was outspoken and did not hide his beliefs from anybody. He was very helpful and knowledgeable and always pursuing more. Matt was a true friend and I will miss him until I see him again.
Travis & Missy Falcon (WILLISTON, ND)
Dec 8, 2024
Our sincere condolences go out to you all during this difficult time! Keeping you in our thoughts & prayers.
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