Matthew David Cler

Matthew David Cler, 30 years old, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, passed away September 26, 2015, after a courageous four-year battle with cancer.

Visitation will be held at Schriver's Memorial Mortuary & Crematory, 414 5th Avenue NW, Aberdeen, on Thursday, October 1, 2015, from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Liturgical wake services and rosary will begin at 7:00 p.m. at Schriver's Memorial. Following the Wake service, family and friends will gather at Schriver's Memorial Fellowship Center for a time of sharing and celebration of Matt's life.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 409 2nd Avenue NE, Aberdeen, on Friday, October 2, 2015, with Father Michael Griffin officiating. Burial at St. Mary's Cemetery will be followed by a luncheon at St. Mary's parish hall.

Matt was born to Tony and Theresa (Johns) Cler on September 6, 1985, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Matt graduated from Roncalli High School and went on to earn paramedic certification. He worked as a Firefighter/Paramedic for Aberdeen Fire and Rescue. Matt was also a proud member of the Hub City Chapter of the Iron Warriors Motorcycle Club. He enjoyed music, biking, riding his Harley, collecting sports caps and watching movies. Above all, Matt cherished time spent with his family and friends.

Matt is preceded in death by his grandparents: Brother Gene Cler and Marilyn Lane Cler and Frank and Helen Johns.

He is survived by his parents; brother, Ryan Anthony Cler, niece and Goddaughter, Madalyn, of Sioux Falls, SD; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to the Aberdeen Fire Fighters and the staff at Avera St. Luke's Hospital and Avera Cancer Care, as well as the Iron Warriors for their loving and supportive care of Matt and his family throughout his fight. The overwhelming support provided through his final days will forever be held in the hearts of Matt's family.

Matt lived life according to the following quotes by one of his heroes Stuart Scott: "Don't give up, don't ever give up." "When you die, it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and the manner in which you live." "So live. Fight like hell, and when you get too tired to fight, lay down and rest and let someone else fight for you."

To help Matt continue his fight he requested donations for fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma research. Memorials for Matt can be made online at https://giveandjoin.rockefeller.edu/donate?d=227. For assistance with the online donation process, please contact Erika Layfield via e-mail at giving@rockefeller.edu or by phone at (212) 327-7434 or call Kate Kadoun at (212) 327-8694, kadoun@rockefeller.edu. 100% of the money goes to the research.

Now it is our turn to carry on the fight.