Matthew Lisle Jesmer, December 20, 1971 — May 12, 2018

Obituary for Matthew Lisle Jesmer Matthew Lisle Jesmer was born December 20, 1971 in Minneapolis. Minnesota to Mathias B. and Joan A. (Saxon) Jesmer. Matthew passed away by suicide May 12, 2018 at his parents’ home in West Des Moines, Iowa.

Minnesota is where Matthew fell in love with nature. As a child, exploring the Mississippi river banks was the foundation needed to embrace Matthew’s love and respect for all of God’s creations, however, human interaction from an early age and throughout the rest of his life would prove to be complicated and frustrating. The Jesmer family relocated to Des Moines in 1983.

Matthew attended St. Pius X and Dowling Catholic High Schools. After graduation he moved to Seattle with friends. He was right in the middle of the music epicenter in the early ’90’s.

Music became a calming parallel along with the natural world for Matthew. He especially identified with the rebellion of heavy metal, and at its core, its honesty. He was a devout Kiss fan, and then he discovered Van Halen.

This band became deeply important to Matthew. Matthew was a commercial fisherman for several years, and then a Merchant Mariner, working in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard. He thrived in the structure the military provided along with the opportunity to travel and see the world.

In 2010 Matthew committed to improving his health by losing over 100lbs. With the guidance of professionals he changed his life style through diet and exercise. A member of Lutheran Church of Hope, was where he made many wonderful friends and enjoyed the men’s group and loved working with children’s programs.

Matthew had been in AA for 7 years. Being an active member, he visited The Polk County jail, bringing the program to the inmates. Matthew is survived by his loving parents, Mathias B. and Joan A. (Saxon) Jesmer of West Des Moines; his brothers, Michael J. Jesmer of Los Angeles, CA and Robert L. Jesmer of Des Moines, IA Matthew’s memorial service will be announced at a later date.

Memorials may be made to IPTV.org/friends/memorial-gifts Matthew we will miss your unique soul. The world was a better place with you in it. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Matthew Lisle Jesmer please visit our Sympathy Store.

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