Matthew Reilly

Matthew Reilly, age 49, of Decorah, IA, died of an apparent heart attack on Tuesday, July 27, 2021 in West Lake Okoboji, IA. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, July 31, 2021 at St. Benedict's Catholic Church in Decorah, IA. With Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be at Phelps Cemetery in Decorah, IA. Following the Funeral Service, there will be a celebration of Matthew's life from 1-4 p.m. at the VFW building, 104 State St. Decorah, IA, 52101. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 30, 2021 at St. Benedict’s Catholic Church in Decorah, IA. The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home is handling arrangements. Matthew James Reilly was born January 17, 1972 in Des Moines, Iowa to James and Patricia (Pearson) Reilly. He graduated from Hoover High School in 1990. Matthew met his wife, Holly Christensen, at the University of Iowa where he graduated with a double major in History and Political Science. Matthew and Holly were married June 11, 1994 at the First United Methodist Church in Independence, IA. Following his graduation from the University of Iowa, Matthew was accepted into Drake Law School where he graduated with his Juris Doctorate in 1998. After graduation he worked for the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis, Missouri. He then worked as a clerk for Judge O’Brien in Sioux City. While in Cedar Rapids, Matt worked for two law firms, White & Johnson and Eells & Tronvold. Following his time in Cedar Rapids, Matthew moved to Decorah where he worked for Trial Lawyers 4 Justice. Matthew enjoyed traveling, watching movies, cooking, talking sports and politics, trivia, and going to Lake Okoboji. He was a devoted family man and always put others before himself. He was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Chicago Cubs fan. He has been a Hawkeye football season ticket holder for 10 years. Matthew was a member of the St. Benedict’s Catholic Church and also served on the board for Nordic Fest this year. Matthew is survived by his wife: Holly Reilly. Children: Abby (Dakota) Daniels, Fort Mead, MD, Peter Reilly, Decorah, IA, Dominic Reilly, Decorah, IA, and Sam Reilly, Decorah, IA. Mother: Patricia Reilly, Des Moines, IA. Brother: Mark Reilly, Des Moines, IA. Sister: Nancy (David) Stieber, Bloomington, MN. Father and Mother-in-law: John and Merry Christensen, Independence, IA. Brothers-in-law: Joe Christensen, Marion, IA, Tony (Patricia) Christensen, Iowa City, IA, Dan (Terri) Christensen, Rock Rapids, IA. Nieces: Grace and Jordan Stieber. Nephews: John, Nile, and Owen Christensen. He is preceded in death by his father, James Reilly in May of 2004.