Matthew Louis Meinking, 26, of Galesville died Tuesday, April 19, 2016.  Matthew was born April 27^th, 1989.  He was the only son of Marc and Lori (Johnson) Meinking and the brother of Chelsey Meinking. He was born in La Crosse, WI and grew up in Galesville, WI.  He graduated from Gale-Ettrick-Trempealeau High School in 2007.  Matt participated in football, wrestling, and track throughout high school.  Matt continued to love watching sports.   He especially enjoyed watching his cousins play their sports.  He also had a love for the outdoors; spending time at the family lake house, hunting with his dad and cousins, and trapshooting with his dad and grandfather.  Matt was skilled with his hands and a diligent worker.  His greatest joys in life were his family and friends.  He was kind-hearted, servant-oriented, and a friend to all without judgement.  His gentle and loving spirit will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

He is survived by his mother and father, Marc and Lori (Johnson) Meinking, and sister Chelsey Meinking (Adam Ross); paternal grandparents, Harry and Donna Meinking, maternal grandparents, Ronald and Patricia Johnson; aunts Debra (Jerry) Hammell, Lynn Johnson, Lee Ann Johnson,;  uncle Timothy (Natalie) Johnson; cousins Nicole (Ryan Larson) Harper, Ryan (Michelle Gray Oldenburg) Harper, Jessica Harper, Teela Hammell, Malisa (Ian Walters) Hammell, Harry (Kari) Meinking III, Tessa Meinking, Jake Hammell, Shannon Meinking, Dylan Johnson, Reid Johnson, Ruby Johnson, Levi Johnson, Ellie Johnson; many second cousins and Raekwon Tillman, Abby Ross, Jake Ross, and Ben Ross.

He was preceded in death by his paternal and maternal great-grandparents;  uncle Harry Meinking Jr.  and aunt Barb (Mickschl) Meinking .

Celebration of life will be held on Friday, April 22^nd, 2016 at Zion Lutheran Church in Galesville, WI.  Visitation will be from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. with the celebration service to follow.