June 20, 1956 - January 8, 2025
Jeffrey “Jeff” Michael Matthews, age 68, passed away peacefully on January 8, 2025. He was born in Minneapolis on June 20, 1956, to Lawrence (Larry) and Barbara (Barb) Matthews. Jeff was the second of six children and grew up in Richfield, MN. He attended Assumption School in Richfield and graduated from Benilde High School, where he excelled as an athlete in several sports.
Jeff graduated from Minnesota State University, Mankato. He was a talented baseball player and a beloved coach, and his passion for sports left a lasting impact on many. The Atlanta Braves drafted Jeff in the 10th round of the 1977 MLB June Amateur Draft from MSU, Mankato. He played minor league baseball from 1977 to 1980 as a shortstop, third baseman, and second baseman for the Durham Bulls, Kingsport Braves, Greenwood Braves, and Savannah Braves.
Jeff married Debra (Deb) in Blue Earth, MN, on October 6, 1979. He enjoyed a 35-year career in technology sales. Jeff was the Academy of Holy Angels baseball coach for ten years and coached several sports teams for his children. He was known for encouraging his players to play with passion, energy, and freedom. He loved coaching and chatting with players and their families. His stories and humor always filled a room with laughter.
Devoted to his family, Jeff took immense pride in being a husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. He showed unwavering support for his loved ones and especially enjoyed attending the extra-curricular activities of his children, nieces, and nephews.
Jeff is preceded in death by parents, Larry and Barb. Jeff is survived by his wife, Deb; children Lindsay, Jason, and Allison (Ken); siblings Pam, Joe (Stephanie), John (Kathe), Mary (Patrick), and Amy (Jon); and many nieces and nephews.
Memorials are preferred to Benilde St. Margaret’s and the Academy of Holy Angels.
Memorial Service
Friday, January 31, 2025
11:00 AM
Visitation 1-hour prior to service.
Assumption Catholic Church
305 E 77th St.
Richfield, MN 55423
I’m so sorry for the terrible news of Jeff’s passing. I have fond memories of Jeff playing for me the first year I coached in Mankato He was a talented baseball player and made our school proud. Reports that he was a great teacher of the game when He coached
Jason, my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father. Take care of yourself. May the good memories you have of your father comfort you in your time of grief.
RIP Jeff, you were a great teammate and teacher of the game in amateur baseball in my years in the Twin Cities! always a smile on your face and a joke to tell. rest in peace, buddy
Jeff was talented and intelligent. A wonderful classmate and teammate. I was improbably fortunate to share my high school years with him.
God’s peace to Jeff and his entire family. I will always cherish the time and talk we had at our Benilde 50th reunion this past summer. Jeff was not only the most talented baseball player I’ve played with or against, but he was as talented a “person” as he was an athlete.
Some of my fondest HS memories of Jeff were on the athletic fields. When he wasn’t amazing us with a, I can’t believe he just did that moment, he was making us laugh with his witty one liners. You couldn’t help but be in a good mood when Jeff was in the house. RIP Jeffrey, knowing you made a difference.
So sorry to read of Jeff’s passing. Besides his athletic abilities and love for sports, I will remember him being a great soccer teammate and classmate at Benilde. His quick wit and humor always added to the team spirit. It was great seeing him at the 50th reunion last year. My sympathy to Jeff’s family. Rest in peace, Jeff.
I worked with Jeff for about 15 years, a few at Expresspoint and the rest at Tekserve. He and I shared a small office in Burnsville for most of the time there and usually it was just the two of us. I loved hearing all of Jeff’s stories from his minor league playing days and numerous other stories he liked to tell.
Jeff was just a great guy and I was so sad to hear of his passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. He will be greatly missed
What great memories of Jeff(Matt) from our college years, as a roommate and close friend. Sorry we lost touch but the smiles are still there from our fun times together. Junk