Obituary

On March 9th, 2012 Matthew (Matt) Daniel Calmes age 32 slept into heaven in the arms of his loving wife Melissa. Matt was born on November 3, 1979 in Appleton Wisconsin. He was united in marriage on July 9th 2009 to his best friend Melissa (Ralston) Calmes. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Viola and Willard Calmes, Aunt Kathleen Calmes, Uncle Patrick McCarthy, and James (Pappy) Wood. He is survived by his wife, Melissa, his mother Jean (Joe) Talamanco, his father Daniel Calmes, his sister Sara Hoffman and brother-in-law and friend, Kristoffer Hoffman, sister Christine Calmes, grandparents Betty and Cliff McCarthy, a nephew Kristoffer Hoffman, two nieces Molly and Kaitlyn Hoffman, the best doggie in the world, Lila, and a host of family and friends.
Matt was a positive and content person who brought joy to all who knew him. He was the youngest of three and the only boy so was adored and cherished by his mother and sisters. He had many good friends from elementary and high school in Appleton, Wisconsin and from college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. With these friends he shared many good times laughing, traveling and following sports – especially the Badgers, Packers, and Brewers.
He met Melissa shortly after she moved to Chicago and from that time on they shared a beautiful friendship and love. They enjoyed traveling, concerts, sporting events, hanging out with friends, taking Lila to the dog park, and just being together. Melissa’s family and friends welcomed him and loved him dearly.
Matt was diagnosed with a brain tumor in August of 2006, which he and Melissa faced together with grace and courage. Throughout this long battle, he continued to enjoy life and was an inspiration to all that knew him. In Matt’s last year Melissa was constantly by his side loving and caring for him. His mother, Jean, provided unwavering support during this difficult time.
“Oh take your time…Don’t live too fast,
Troubles will come and they will pass.
You’ll find a woman, yea yea, you’ll find love.
And don’t forget son.
There is someone up above.”
Matt was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend who will be deeply missed. In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Matt’s Memorial Fund at the American Brain Tumor Association.
American Brain Tumor Association
8550 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Ste 550 Chicago, IL 60631
800-886-2282 - www.abta.org