Matthew Mortenson

“The spirit of The Undertaker lives within the soul of all mankind. The eternal flame of life that cannot be extinguished.” —The Undertaker

Matthew Roland Mortenson
January 10, 1970 – April 26, 2025

It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Matthew Roland Mortenson.

Matthew, 55, of Kansas City, Missouri, passed away peacefully on April 26, 2025. Born in Burbank, California, to Roland Dean Mortenson and Janice VanderHayden, Matt lived a life rich with curiosity, loyalty, and passion.

A proud graduate of Neosho High School in 1988, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Army, straight out of high school. serving as a Russian linguist. Stationed in Germany and later in Saudi Arabia, where he witnessed the aftermath of the Gulf War. His military service shaped his discipline and broadened his political views.

After returning home, Matt worked in Cathedral City, California, before settling in Kansas City in 1997 to be near family. He built a career in banking at UMB and Citibank, where he was respected for his knowledge, patience, and professionalism.

Known affectionately as “Mad Matt,” he found great joy in helping manage Metal bands, Descension and Isolated Fields. He was passionate about Nordic mythology. A lifelong collector, Matt curated impressive collections of comic books, baseball cards, and memorabilia that reflected his love of detail, history, and imagination.

He was a devoted wrestling fan, especially of The Undertaker, Rick Flare, and Cold Stone Steve Austin. He could quote classic matches with infectious excitement, just as he did with sports—cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals with encyclopedic knowledge and unwavering loyalty.

Matt’s booming laugh, sharp wit, and boundless curiosity left a mark on everyone he met. He was a storyteller, a conversationalist, and a heart that made every room feel alive.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Roland Mortenson and Janice VanderHayden of Burbank, California; his stepmother Naomi Mortenson of Greenville, Tennessee; his paternal grandparents Lee and Juanita Mortenson of Cottonwood, Arizona, and Berniece Mortenson of Pineville, Missouri; his uncles Richard Mortenson of Miami, Oklahoma, and Norman Mortenson of Orange, California; his cousin Michael Mortenson of Orange, California; and his sister Tammy Wiles of Kansas City, Missouri.

He is survived by his sister Angie Wiles (Dwayne Bryant) of Smithville, Missouri; his brother Steve Gempler (Lesli Wren) of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; his nieces Kayla Rodriguez of Gladstone, Missouri, Hannah Bryant (Randall Crist) Great nephew Gabe Crist of Gladstone, Missouri, and nephew Simon Gempler of Lee’s Summit, Missouri; his aunt Lynn Hoff of Festus, Missouri; his uncle Darrel Mortenson of Maʻili, Hawaii; and many cousins in the St. Louis, Missouri area and North Carolina. Felicia Storm of Blue Springs Missouri

Matthew will be remembered for his spirit, warmth, and the unforgettable joy he brought to those around him. He was deeply loved—and always will be.

Service details to follow