Matthew Richard Furnas was born August 1, 1977, to Richard Furnas and Deanna (Mook) Pulse in Auburn, Nebraska. He lived with his parents for a time near Peru, Nebraska, later moving to the family farm near Brownville. He moved to Lincoln with his mother after the passing of his father in 1979. He attended Messiah Lutheran Grade School in Lincoln. As a youngster, he would spend summer fun with his grandparents and Furnas/Hayes cousins at the Sycamore Springs Campgrounds in Kansas. He enjoyed many summers there swimming, roller skating, camping and putt-putt golfing. He also spent time at his grandmother’s house in Lincoln, playing with Maret/Schildt cousins there. He graduated from East High School in 1995. He worked in landscaping for MetroLawn for many years, and later for VVS, providing vending supplies throughout Nebraska and the Midwest. He lived with his cousin Chris Hayes several years in Lincoln enjoying sports and bowling. The two cousins participated in bowling leagues and were the recipients of many trophies. Matt enjoyed watching college and professional sports – golf, hockey, baseball, basketball and all things NFL. He participated in Fantasy Football teams with friends and family and enjoyed watching NFL Redzone each week getting together for Sunday dinners. He was a diehard fan of the New York Jets, and decorated his apartment with Jets gear, always hoping they would have a winning season. He also had Jets T shirts, hoodies, and even had a Jets facemask to wear to work during the Covid crisis. He attended Husker home games for the last several years with the family. He was hoping they would have a winning season as well. The highlight of his year was attending the College World Series each June catching up with cousins and family members. He never married but lived with his two cats – Smokey and Dean. He contracted Covid and passed after a short illness on February 19, 2022.
He is survived by his mother Deanna and stepfather Jim Pulse (Pleasant Dale), brother Andrew Pulse (Lincoln), Grandmother, Wilma Mook (Seward), uncles, aunts, and many cousins and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father Richard Furnas, grandparents – William and Faye Furnas, Ralph Mook, uncles – Jim Furnas, Mitchell Furnas, aunt – Janet Batt and cousins – Chris Hayes, Jim Furnas Jr., and Kurt Batt.
Funeral services will be held 10:00 a.m. February 28, 2022, at Southwood Lutheran Church, 4301 Wilderness Hills Blvd (South 40th & Yankee Hill Road). Out of an abundance of caution, the family requests all attendees wear protective face coverings during the service. For those unable to attend, the services will be live streamed at: https://vimeo.com/680938117
Burial will be at a later date at the Walnut Grove Cemetery in Brownville, Nebraska.
Memorials may be sent to Big Brothers Big Sisters in Lincoln. After the passing of Matt’s father and move to Lincoln, he participated in the Big Brothers organization. His Big Brother was a major positive force in his life for several years. Your donations will be greatly appreciated to continue their important work in the community to help young boys and girls. To donate online, go to the Big Brothers Big Sisters website – bbbslincoln.org. Click “Donate” (upper right) and follow the directors and enter Matt’s name under Memorials. Checks can be sent to their address – 2124 Y Street, Flat 210, Lincoln, NE 68503.
