On Oct. 24, 1980, a boy was born in Belleville, Kansas. He was God's answer to many prayers. His parents named him Matthew John: Matthew, because he was a "Gift of God," and John after both his grandpas: John Hofts and John Zucker.

Matt was welcomed into God's family through Holy Baptism at Peace Lutheran Church by Pastor F. Delmar Klover on Nov. 23, 1980. His sponsors were Aunt Jane Bartling, Uncle Fred Hofts, and Great Uncles Alfred and Lewis Hofts, two bachelors whom Matthew viewed as his pseudo grandpas. May 7, 1995, Matt was confirmed in his faith at Peace Lutheran by Pastor Harold Laurse...