Matthew David Follman
August 31, 1987 ~ February 22, 2021
Matthew (Matt) David Follman passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 33 years of age, with his family at his side. His loss is felt deeply by his family, friends, and community, whose lives were enriched by his love, generosity, enthusiasm for life, and acts of service.
A proud North Dakotan, Matt happily lived his years in his favorite state, surrounded by the people, places, and activities that made it home. Born to Rick and Deb (Schwanke) Follman, he entered the world in Devils Lake, ND on August 31, 1987. He graduated from Devils Lake High School in 2006, followed by a graduation from Mayville State University, ND in 2010. In the fall of that year, he married Erin Traynor at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Devils Lake, their daughter Olivia celebrating with them. They made their home in Grand Forks, ND welcoming Patrick in 2015. Matt worked at Lake Region State College Train ND and Bank Forward until their move to Fargo, ND in 2017, where he started his career with RDO as a Credit Analyst.
Most memorable, is the warmth Matt radiated, fueled by the joy he managed to find in every aspect of life. His relentless positivity drew many in, a rare talent for putting people at ease made everyone feel welcome, and his genuine care and concern for others made even strangers feel like family. His selflessness and eagerness to help was his hallmark, mirrored in regular acts of kindness, service as a Fourth-Degree Knight with the Knights of Columbus, and in his deep, selfless devotion to his family.
Matt wove together a great fondness for the outdoors and sports, with a preference for spending time with loved ones. He hunted, fished and hung out at the lake with family and friends. He frequented UND hockey games with his family. And he introduced his children to his favorite sports. He could often be found playing golf with Olivia, cheering her on at her basketball games, and playing hockey with Patrick. We are blessed with the knowledge that he spent his time on earth doing the things he loved, with the people he loved.
He is survived by his wife, Erin Follman, Fargo, ND; children, Olivia and Patrick Follman, Fargo, ND; parents, Rick and Deb Follman, Devils Lake, ND; sister, Angela (Jim) Wakefield, Devils Lake, ND; nephews, Jaxson and Jett Wakefield, niece, Piper Wakefield, Devils Lake, ND; father and mother-in-law, Tom and Julie Traynor, Devils Lake, ND; brother-in-law, John Traynor (fiancé Josie Knowski), Devils Lake, ND; and sister-in-law, Kathryn Traynor, Golden Valley, MN.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Jack and Betty Follman, and Ervin and Lorraine Schwanke; and uncles: Larry Follman, Dale Schwanke, Lenny Pherson and Mike Strand.
Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., with a rosary at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 25, at Boulger Funeral Home in Fargo. Visitation will continue from 9:30-10:30 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:30 a.m., Friday, Feb. 26, at Sts. Anne and Joachim Catholic Church in Fargo.
Matthew's Video Tribute can be viewed below:
Erin, Olivia and Patrick,
I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Matt. We worked together for TrainND. I grieve with you and I just wanted you to know what a dear and kind young man he was to work with. He will be missed.
Jill Morseth
I am so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. Thoughts and prayers to you all.
Erin and Family,
I can not find the words to express how deeply sorrow we are to hear of Matt’s passing! I worked with Matt years ago in the Ag Business, what a joy it was to see his smiling face each day. We have kept in touch ever since. He will always be with you in spirit and memories. Many prayers and hugs to all of you…
Erin, Olivia and Patrick, My sincerest sympathies. Sending you love, hugs and prayers today and always.
God Bless.
To Matts family, I am so sorry for the loss of your son, husband, father, son in law and friend. Our condolences to all that loved him.
So very sorry on the loss of Matt to Deb, Rick and Erin! He was such a great guy!
Our hearts ache for You…, Many thoughts and prayers Matt will be missed dearly….His smile always lit up a room. God Bless You and Your Family
Kyle and Joyce
Prayers to Erin and the kids and to his parents as well. Gone way too soon!
So sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Praying for you to feel God’s presence and that His peace and love will comfort you in this very difficult time.
Thoughts and prayers to the Follman family. The memories I shared with Matt will always be cherished.
Family of Matthew Follman: Hugs & prayers to the entire family of Matthew. Words can’t describe one’s feelings but know that you’re in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time. Cherish the many memories memories of your loved one, no one can take those from you. Life is so precious. Thinking of you all at this time. Prayers & Hugs!
Erin and family,
I am so sorry to hear of Matt. He always had a smile and a laugh. Thinking of you all.
Phyllis Kadrmas
So very sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
I am so sorry for your loss, my condolences. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Erin, Olivia, and Patrick
Words can’t express the loss of Matt. Know that I’m here for you and your family in these difficult times when you need anything. Hugs and prayers.
Angie Flesberg
Our hearts are broken to learn of Matthew’s passing. Matt was one of the neighborhood kids that grew up here in Frison with my kids. I still can see the little red head in my living room. May God’s loving arms wrap around the Follman and Traynor families during this time of grief and mourning.
Follman family,
I’m saddened to hear of Matt’s passing. I was friends with him in college. He was a great person. I will keep you in my prayers through the upcoming days.
Leah (Rogina) Thoms
Trent and I are so sorry about your loss. We are thinking about Matt’s families and praying for you all🙏🏻
The words are so hard to find. I am so sorry. May the Lord keep you all tight in his arms. God Bless you all.
Dear Follman and Traynor families.
We are so saddened to learn of Matt’s passing.
It seems like yesterday that we were chasing the boys around the country playing hockey. There are so many good memories and some not so good of all the years at the rink , we are so glad to have had the privilege to see Matt grow from a little mite to a wonderful young man.
May God now hold him in his arms and watch over his family.
Rest in peace dear Matt.
Les and Deanne Johnson
Warroad, MN
Follman/Traynor/Wakefield families – I am so sorry for this terrible loss…cannot imagine the pain that you are all feeling. May all the happy memories help you through this. Thoughts and prayers to all.
My thoughts and prayers are with The Follman and Traynor Families. May God bless you all and comfort you through this trying time.Trust in him to carry you through.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. We pray God will continue to uphold you all and bring you comfort and strength during this time. He is the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:9).
Sympathy to all the families from the Bertsch’s. You are in our thoughts and prayers!
Deb, Rick, and Family,
My heart breaks for all of you with the loss Matt. There are not enough words to express sympathies for all you have been going through over the past months and your loss. Please know how deeply I care about you and will have you in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you peace as you deal and heal with your loss. Hugs and God Bless. Denise
Deb and Rick, Angie and family, Erin and family
Words can’t describe our feelings but know that you’re in our thoughts & prayers at this difficult time.
Cherish the many memories of Matt. No one can take those from you. We have so many memories of Matt and Cory from Frison Addition. Sending many hugs and prayers.
Life is so precious. Trent, Lou, Travis, and Cory
Rick,Deb and Family so sorry for your loss. Prayers to your family.
I am so saddened of your passing. Will miss our conversations at RDO and your helpfulness always. May your memories always be a blessing for all. Rest in peace.
Prayers to the Follman and Traynor families, especially to Erin and their children. Matt was a fun, loving and kind guy and will be missed. Keep all of your memories with Matt and take them with you. May God grant you hope and peace.
Shannon Auch (Kopp)
Erin & kids and Follman and Traynor Families,
We are so deeply saddened by the loss of Matt! We send you hugs and prayers and ask God to give you strength to get through this very difficult time.
God’s Blessings Always,
Sara and Todd Plemel
Rick and Deb, Angie and Family, Erin and Family,
Words cannot express how very sorry we are to hear of Matt’s passing. It is hard to understand the “whys” of any of this, but God has big plans for him and we can only trust in that. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
My thoughts and prayers are being sent to all of Matt’s family and friends.
Erin and Family,
So sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. We will be holding you in our thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time.
We are so very sorry for the sudden loss to your family. Many prayers and hugs.
I’m so sorry to here of your lose. Matt will be missed by everyone are prayers are with you in this very difficult time
Jay and I are so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. God Blessings.
Im so sorry for your loss, you will be in my prayers.
We were so saddened to hear about Matt’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! May all the memories comfort you and bring you peace as you go through this difficult time now and in the weeks and months to come. You are in our prayers.
We hold all of Matt’s family and friends in our prayers for peace and comfort during the days ahead.
Jason and Stephanie Hodous
Dear Erin & children, Rick & Deb and family, Tom and Julie & family, and all loved ones of Matthew.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers as you go through these difficult times. In your sorrow and loss, may God’s presence bring you comfort and peace.
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you..” Deuteronomy 31:8
With love and sympathy,
Emil and Darlene Schoenfish
Sharing your sorrow and sending our sympathies to all Matt’s family.
Erin, Olivia, Patrick, Follman & Traynor families,
My heart goes out to all of you. Matt was such a super guy that we got to know very well over the years. He had such a knack for making everyone around him feel at home and even if you just met Matt, you felt like you knew him for years. We are sending hugs and prayers that God will wrap his arms around you all and help you during these sad times. God must have had big plans for Matt in Heaven, to take him as such a young age—He only takes the best!!
So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this time. Prayers to you all
I am so sorry for your family’s loss Rick. What a wonderful young man he must have been.
Sorry for your loss, he was a friend of my son Tristan. Our families thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this time
so sorry for your loss. Prayers to family <3
Dear Erin and family,
We are extremely sad about your loss. may Lord grant you the strength. Our prayers are with you.
Sorry for your loss! Our thoughts and prayers to all of you! 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏❤️
From our entire family, Nettie Jane, Todd and Jerry Evans. May God comfort you during this heartfelt loss of Matthew. You are all in our prayers. God Bless
Our sincere condolences to Erin and the Follman/Traynor families. Sending you much love and comfort during this difficult time.
Sanford Health Surgical Services Family
To All of the Follman and Traynor Family – May God wrap his loving arms around all of you and give you strength to get thru the days, weeks, months and years of missing your Matt. Treasure all of those many beautiful memories you have. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you during this difficult time.
To the Follman, Traynor, and Wakefield families. We are so, so sorry for your loss. We can’t imagine the pain, heartache, and sadness you all are going through. Praying for your strength and peace. With deepest sympathy.
David and Connie Jones
Thoughts and prayers.
Rick and Deb and Family….
Thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
I dont have any words that even begin to tell you how you get through this!!! Our sincere condolences.. Surround your self with family and friends. Hold on tight to your Saviors love. Know that you have people from all over praying for you and family.
Prayers for you all, I am saddened that you had to lose Matt at such a young age. God needed a special angel, and special Matt was. Will be keeping you all in my thoughts.
Follman & Traynor families our sincere & heartfelt sympathy. We were so sorry to hear about Matthew. May memories help comfort you. Love & Prayers, Duane, Pam, & Ashton Armstrong
Follman and Traynor Families: So saddened to read of Matt’s death. I knew Matt well from his time at Mayville State University both as my student and my advisee. He was a high quality student, and I enjoyed his level of effort in all my business classes. I never once questioned his enthusiasm for learning, even the blizzard morning that he drove in from Grand Forks to make the Human Resource Management 7 a.m. class. I said “Matt, just call me and let me know that you can’t make it” . . . “but Mr, Kemmer I want to learn as much as I can about HR Management.” Please know that Matt was an impression young man–surround yourselves with all those wonderful and beautiful memories of Matt. Blessings to you all . . .
Dear Deb and Rick,
We are so sorry of hearing the sad news of Matt passing away. Sincere sympathy and prayers for healing and peace.