Matthew Garrett Millenacker, age 18, of Prior Lake, died unexpectedly of a cerebral aneurysm on Friday, April 14, 2017.

He was born in St. Louis Park, MN on September 24, 1998 to Tamara (Schoeppner) and Bryan Millenacker. Matthew was a Senior at Prior Lake High School. He enlisted in the US Army Reserves in 2016 and was attached to the 79th Military Police Company in Wabasha.

Matthew had an upbeat disposition and was a fun-loving, kind person with an infectious smile.  Matthew put people at ease with his friendly, calm demeanor. His character was exceptional. He was selfless and willing to help anyone in need. Matthew was involved in youth sports and scouting. He was an adventurous individual who liked new challenges and enjoyed attaining his goals which included certification as a life guard and instructor, an advanced PADI open-water scuba diver and was working on his master diver certification as well as his private pilot license.  He loved to snowboard, mountain bike, and travel. As an avid outdoorsman, Matthew loved spending time hunting and fishing with family and friends. Matthew lived life to the fullest and enjoyed spending time at the cabin, camping, hiking, climbing, target and trap shooting, snowmobiling and motorcycling and pursuing paintball and archery. He loved to cook, especially anything with venison, or Italian and Asian cuisine. He loved a good book. Matthew spoke fluent German and enjoyed attending Concordia Language Village every year. Matthew was looking forward to his high school graduation and finishing his Army M.P. training at Fort Leonard Wood, being deployed, starting college and traveling the world. Matthew was the kind of young man that made his parents proud.

Survivors include his parents, Tami and Bryan; grandparents, Mary Millenacker, Stella Donaldson, Robert & Margaret Schoeppner; aunts and uncles, Cheryl & Michael, Diana & Dave, David & Shelly, Michelle & Glenn, Robyn & Michael, and Troy; cousins, Haley, Kyle, Seth, Cass, Savannah, Sawyer, Anthony, Cami, Skylar, Marcus, Sam, Will, Kevin, Samantha, and Lauren. Matthew's best friend, Brandon, the brother he never had, and Micheal. Matthew was preceded in death by his grandfather, Gene Millenacker.

Mass of Christian burial will be at 1pm on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at St. Pius X Catholic Church, Rochester with the Rev. James Kunz officiating. Friends may visit from 4pm to 8pm on Friday, April 21, 2017 in River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and one hour prior to service on Saturday at church. Burial will be at Calvary Cemetery. Memorials preferred to the family with the goal of establishing a scholarship in his name. Online condolences are welcome at www.mackenfuneralhome.com.