Dr. Matthew K. Moerschbaecher, PhD, died on Thursday October 22, 2026 due to a pulmonary embolism. Dr. Moerschbaecher graduated from Jesuit High School in New Orleans and then Warren Wilson College, where he received his BS in Environmental Science. He went on to continue his academic career in the environmental sciences at LSU and earned his PhD in Renewable Natural Resources. Matt enjoyed working to protect and restore the Gulf and coastal wetlands. He also helped author the book Sustainability in the 21st Century with his long-term mentor Dr. John W. Day, Jr. Most recently, he was employed at the Louisiana Oil Spill Coordinator’s Office as the Environmental Scientist Manager.
Beyond his scientific career, Matt lived for live music. He was a weekly patron at various music clubs around the city, loved The New Orleans Jazz Festival, and could be seen laughing and smiling every Mardi Gras day with Pete Fountain’s Half-Fast Walking Club. Matt was always up for an adventure to far flung destinations, he read prolifically, and he had a knack for putting a smile on people’s faces. Matt’s father was Dr. Joseph M. Moerschbaecher III, PhD. He is survived by his mother Bernadette L. Moerschbaecher, his brother Joseph M Moerschbaecher IV, and many family members and friends.
Funeral arrangements provided by Lake Lawn funeral home. Visitation will be at St. Ann’s Church and Shrine, 4940 Meadowdale Street, Metairie, Louisiana from 10:30am-12pm on Friday, November 6th 2026 with funeral mass to follow. In lieu of flowers please consider donating in Matt’s honor to The Water Institute at https://thewaterinstitute.org/give-now or Louisiana Environmental Action Network at https://intersectionalenvironmentalist.com/donate
