Matthew Lawrence Engelhardt

Matthew Lawrence Engelhardt, 45, of Waterloo, passed away Monday, June 29, 2026. He was born April 10, 1981, in Clarinda, the son of Pastor Marcus and Joanne (Kennedy) Engelhardt. He graduated from Southeast Polk High School, where he was known for being the Ram mascot. He later attended Iowa State University and graduated from UNI with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

He married Alisa Smith in 2007. Together they enjoyed going to comic cons and science centers, microbreweries where Matt enjoyed sour beers, and the Grout Museum. He was also very supportive of Alisa’s pottery, traveling and helping her at art shows.

Matthew had an amazing work ethic. He served in the Army Reserves as a cook and worked for 23 years at the Cedar Falls Walmart in the tire and lube department. In both positions he was urged to become an officer or move up to management, which he resisted; he enjoyed being a working man.

His hobbies included collecting and building Legos, being a Star Trek fan, watching Jeopardy, supporting the UNI Panthers, riding his motorcycle, keeping up on the news, and running half marathons and full marathons. He earned the nickname Turbo from running and talking fast.

Matthew’s impact on the world was vast, from his involvement at Westminster Presbyterian Church, especially as leader of the Wednesday night men’s group, to the friendships he maintained throughout his life (as evidenced by his popularity at the State Fair) to the countless lives he impacted by being a regular plasma donor at BioLife. He will be greatly missed.

Matthew is survived by his wife, Alisa of Waterloo, his parents Marcus and Joanne Engelhardt of Des Moines, his brother JohnDaniel (Ali) Engelhardt of Wisconsin, his father and mother-in-law Greg (Rachel) Smith of Johnston, brother-in-law Matty (Damien) Tate-Smith of Ankeny, nephews: Dakari, Elijah, André, and Kingston Tate-Smith; and best friends Jimi Wilson and Dennis (Buddy) Lorey, Jr. He was preceded in death by his brother, Luke.

A Memorial Service will be held at 6:30, Thursday, July 9, 2026, at Westminster Presbyterian Church with visitation from 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. at the church. Friends and family attending the service are encouraged to wear purple, Matt’s favorite color, or UNI fan gear in honor of his memory. Memorials may be directed to Puppy Jake Foundation, or Westminster Presbyterian Church.