Matthew Jon Nelsen

September 22nd, 2017, in Fresno CA. He is survived by his

wife of 29 years, Tammy Nelsen, son Zachary, daughter Olivia,

mother Wanda, brothers Charles and Mark, and sisters Wendy,

Wanda, Melanie, Miriam, and Michelle. Matthew was born

in Chicago, Illinois, he then resided in Ventura, California,

before he made his home here in the Central Valley. Matthew

is a graduate of Mt. Whitney high school. He was a lifelong

Chicago Bears and Cubs fan. For the last 20 years he was a

volunteer Firefighter, EMT, and Engineer for Tulare County Fire

Department. He was also a Peace Officer for the California

Department of Corrections for the past 14 years. Since

1989 he has built filtration machines for Ethylene Control

Incorporated in Selma, California. When he was not working

he loved vacationing on the coast, and working on his hot rods.

Matthews love of life will be missed by all who knew him. He

was the type of person everyone gravitated to. His warmth and

humor made him a magnat to people of all ages, and there

was nothing he wanted more than to be a solid support for

family and friends. He was kind and generous, but preferred to

quietly help others and avoid recognition. From family, friends,

coworkers, and youth, our lives have been greatly enriched by

Matthew. There are no words to explain our loss.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, Oct. 5, 5:00 – 8:00 PM

at Dopkins Funeral Chapel. A graveside service will be held on

Friday, Oct 6 at 10:00 AM at Smith Mountain Cemetery under

the direction of Dopkins Chapel.www.dopkinschapel.com