Matthew James Phelps

Matthew Phelps, 51, of Bemidji, MN died Friday, February 21, 2020 at Sanford Bemidji Medical Center. 

Memorial services will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, March 6, 2020 at First Lutheran Church, Bemidji, with Pastor Linnea Papke-Larson officiating. Family will greet friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Matthew James Phelps was born November 20, 1968 in Bemidji to Dennis and JoAnn Arden (Ballingrud) Phelps. Matthew grew up in Bemidji where he graduated high school and went on to attain a Bachelor’s degree from Bemidji State University.  After graduation he worked in the social and mental health field helping people with their struggles in life.  He was a caring and understanding soul who was always there to help others if needed. Matthew was an avid Beavers fan and enjoyed watching and playing hockey, golfing, fishing, and hunting.  One of his biggest passions was making fishing tackle with his father, Dennis Phelps.  With creative passion and a deep knowledge of fishing, they together created some of the best locally known fishing tackle, and Matt was a master at jigging for Walleyes with their tools of the trade. Matthew married and subsequently divorced and leaves behind a wonderful and sensible young man, Tanner James Deming-Phelps.  Matt took pride in watching Tanner excel in all sports, particularly basketball and baseball and would frequently travel to Tanner’s games no matter how far away.

Matthew is survived by his son Tanner Deming-Phelps, mother and step-father JoAnn Arden (Vernon) Solheim; brother Mike (Staci) Phelps; niece Madelyn Phelps; step-brothers Steve Solheim and Chris Solheim; step-sister Leigh (Solheim) Kennedy, as well as several aunts, uncles and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his father Dennis James Phelps; grandparents, Larry and Vivian Phelps, and Ernest and Gladyce Ballingrud; uncles Donnie Phelps and Ralph Phelps and cousin Randy Phelps.

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