Matthew "Chewy" M. Zelasney

Matthew Michael Zelasney was born in Papillion, Nebraska on June 16, 1987. He attended Trumble Park Elementary, Papillion Junior High and he graduated from the Papillion/LaVista High School in 2006. As a young boy, he loved flying around airplanes and playing sports such as baseball and football. His teammates often called him by his nickname, “Chewy”. During his high school career, he played Varsity football as a running back and linebacker. Football was his passion and he was very talented.

After graduation in 2006, he decided to join the Navy as a Seabee. He was stationed in Oxnard, CA and in Romania. He also traveled to Spain. His dream of becoming a Navy Seal for Seal Team 6 was cut short due to an injury. He was honorably discharged in 2009. After he was discharged, he worked as a drywaller. He was a perfectionist and very good at his craft. He moved to Colorado Springs, CO for a couple of years and then decided to move back here to his hometown.

He enjoyed spending time with his family, attending his nephews’ football games, shopping and being with his beloved Dachshund, Smokey, AKA Smokes. He treated Smokey like a king and would always have him wear his raincoat when it was raining outside. He loved watching professional sports and was a huge Miami Hurricanes fan.

Matthew Michael Zelasney will be missed dearly by his family and friends and will never be forgotten.

Matthew is survived by his Father, Mike Zelasney (Peg Fox); Mother, Kim Zelasney; Beloved Dachshund, Smokey; Sisters, Kyla Frederick (Wesley), Kristi Zelasney (Karim Touray) & Kelcie Zelasney; Grandfather, Skeet Mahler (Sandra Johnston); Grandfather & Grandmother, David & Phyllis Bennett; Nephews & Nieces, Jadyn, Noah, Owen, Lydia, Liam, Londyn, Lakyn & Baby Touray; Uncle & Aunt, Rick & Debi Mattea; Godparents, Pete & Davianne Hluchoweckyj; Uncle & Aunt, Butch & Shelly Zelasney; Uncle & Aunt, Mike & Cheryl Fantaski; Uncle & Aunt, Jody & Linda Ellis; Uncle & Aunt, Kevin & Vicki Zelasney and 17 awesome cousins.

Matthew is preceded in death by his Grandparents, Clarence & Mary Ann Zelasney and Grandmother, Shirley Mahler.