Matthew Christopher Adams

MADISON- Matthew Adams, age 25, died on Sunday, May 20, 2018, as a result of injuries he received after an attempt to do what he did best; whatever it took to help someone else.  Matthew was born in Greenville, Pa., on May 11, 1993, to Heidi Homman and Mark Adams. He grew up in Monona, with his mom and dad, Heidi and Steve Sheldon. Matthew graduated from Monona Grove High School in 2011. He played freshman and then JV soccer through his junior year, and had a love for video gaming.  As a senior, Matthew participated in the Dane County Youth Apprenticeship Program in the area of Protective Services, with placement at the Oregon Area Fire/EMS. Under the direction of Chief Tim Olson, his mentor in Oregon, he began his career path in a field where he could serve others. After graduating from high school, he earned an internship as one of the first three interns to serve at the Monona Fire Department from 2011 to 2014. At age 19, Matthew had earned his paramedic license and followed that with his firefighter degree from Madison College in 2014. He served as a Paramedic at the Paratech Ambulance Service in Janesville until 2017.  Matthew was currently a technician in the emergency services department at Unity Point Health-Meriter. While working at the hospital, he decided to extend his desire for making a difference in people’s lives by continuing his education to become an RN. Matthew looked up to his grandfather, who was a retired firefighter and his uncle, who is currently a lieutenant, both with the Madison Fire Department.  Matthew had the most genuine smile and a heart to serve others. There was nothing he wouldn’t do to help someone in need. He brought so much joy to everyone he met. His goofy sense of humor made people laugh, and his sensitive manner could comfort those who needed it. He was honest, faithful, trusting, caring and a young man of accountability and integrity. He stood by his beliefs, took the advice of others when he needed it, followed through with what he started, and never wanted to disappoint.  Matthew met the love of his life while playing an online video game in his middle school years. He and Erin Semler finally met in person on June 11, 2015, when he traveled to her hometown of Smithsburg, Md. Five days later, on June 16, 2015, Matthew gave her a promise ring, to give her the comfort that he would keep his promise and marry her someday. Until that time, they had only communicated through their game, phone calls, Skype, and FaceTime, but had grown to know each other as best friends, confidants, and true soulmates. Matthew sent emails to Erin every day that she would be excited to read before getting on the bus to go to school. Erin moved to Monona to be with Matthew in October of 2015. They were officially engaged on Nov. 3, 2016, and were planning a wedding in Maryland for July 12, 2018, where he was excited to be able to visit the ocean for the first time. Erin and Matthew planned to reside in Madison where he purchased their home near Monona, the place he thought he would someday have a family of his own. He was a true protector and provider and wanted nothing more than to do that for Erin. Matthew enjoyed fishing, working out at the gym, video gaming, working on house projects, and most of all, time with his family and Erin. He loved visiting with his best buddy, great-grandma Day, and was always very concerned for her well-being.  Matthew is survived by his parents, Heidi and Steve Sheldon and Mark Adams of Pennsylvania; siblings, Amanda, Caitlin, and Joshua; grandparents, Dalene Homman, Kathleen Kruk, William Sheldon and Jo Humphrey; great-grandmothers, Dorothy Day and Sarah Fischer; aunts and uncles, Traci (Chris) Koltz, Jeff (Sarah) Homman, Chris (Jennifer) Homman, Jim (Deb) Sheldon, and Julie Sheldon, Marcie (Michael) Kehler, and Darrin Adams; cousins, Natasha, Zachrey, Ethan, Noah, William, Charlie, Corey, Steven, Brytany and Zach; niece, Harlee; and many more great-aunts, uncles and cousins who will miss him dearly.  Matthew will be missed beyond belief by his one love, Erin Semler and their kitties, Milo and Mia; Erin’s parents, Todd and Laura Semler; and sister, Shauni Semler.  He was preceded in death by his grandfather, Charlie Homman; great-grandfather, Dale Day; and great-great-grandparents, Harold and Helen Bonnell.  His genuine smile and hugs will be forever remembered by everyone who knew him.  A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Dr., Madison, at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 25, 2018.  Visitation will be held at the funeral home from noon until the time of the service on Friday.  A memorial fund has been set up in Matthew’s honor at DMB Community Bank, P.O. Box 419, DeForest, WI 53532.  Checks can be made payable to “Memorial of Matthew Adams”.  Our family would like to thank the ER team at UW-Hospital for the care and respect given to Matthew during his time in their care, as well as the support and respect of the DeForest police department.  Matthew believed in Christ as his savior. His scripture verse was Matthew 24:13 “but he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.”  Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive 608-221-5420