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Deer Park, WI

It is with regret and sadness to inform the giant pumpkin community of another loss. Matt Marose, giant pumpkin grower and co-founder of the SCGA and Stillwater Harvestfest, passed away due to covid complications yesterday.

Back in early 2005, i got a random call from a guy who had rented a vehicle from the place where my brother worked. As the story goes, Matt rented a truck to haul a giant pumpkin. My brother worked for Enterprise at the time. Being aware of our mutual interest, my brother gave Matt my number. Matt called and explained that our backyard, the Mpls-St. Paul metro area, needed a giant pumpkin weigh off as well as a pumpkin club. At the time, Nekoosa and Anamosa were really the only events on the calendar, each a 3-4 hour drive for us growers way up there. I was like yeah, let's do this. So Matt and I set out to form a club and start a weigh off. *whew* Hat in hand, we knocked on doors of local businesses asking for handouts for this crazy idea. 5 years later, Chris Stevens sets the world record on the Harvestfest scale, Harvestfest takes the #1 TTA in the world repeatedly and draws over 10,000 people to its event yearly, and our club boasts a robust, engaged membership. None of this would have happend if Matt had not made that phone call.

12/31/2021 1:34:04 PM

Deer Park, WI

Matt's ambition and determinism were his greatest qualities. He was headstrong. He was a hulk of a man, as well as a military veteren who had aspirations as a special forces sniper. He was a perfectionist and detail oriented. While often times controversial, his commitment was always towards the safety and interest of the growers. He and his friend Doug dutifully performed "security operations" at Harvestfest events, erecting crowd control barriers and making sure the general public did not interfere with pumpkin operations during the weigh off. These contributions will be sorely missed.

His giant pumpkin asprirations were to grow a 1000lb pumpkin. Because he lived on a city lot, he had to grow pumpkins remotely. and at his remote site, he had to pump/haul water to his plants. He didnt get to enjoy the luxuries of all the things we take for granted with a backyard patch. He worked his arse off to grow pumpkins. And as a result of his effort, he achieved his goal in 2020. Sadly, because of covid, he didnt get the crowd cheers for this milestone. Alas, the goal was met. And I hope he can rest in the satisfaction of hard work paying off.

Matt is survived by his wife, Emily, and young daughter, Leanna.

Rest in Peace, Matt, knowing that Harvestfest and the St. Croix Growers Association would not exist if not for your efforts.

12/31/2021 1:43:06 PM

rest in peace matt he would call me every winter back in the day, talk pumpkins improve weighoffs

12/31/2021 1:58:31 PM

Syracuse, NY

I feel now that I've known him all along and I am sorry for your great loss; May he rest in peace, and my condolences to you all---eric g

12/31/2021 3:11:38 PM

Pittsburgh, PA

Sad face. Did not know him but sounds like a stand up guy. My condolences.

12/31/2021 3:41:02 PM

Massillon, Ohio

Sorry to hear this sad news. Thanks Joze, for telling the story to those of us who didn't know Matt and his contributions to our hobby.

12/31/2021 3:43:51 PM

Bethlehem CT

My condolences to the family. Very sorry for your loss.

12/31/2021 6:01:23 PM

Colorado

Thats terrible.RIP. Chatted with him in Anamosa quite a bit.

12/31/2021 8:40:50 PM

New Richmond Wi

He will be deeply missed. Sorry to hear about the loss of Matt.

12/31/2021 10:50:14 PM

Connecticut, USA

Condolences to his family. Rest in peace.

1/1/2022 3:07:33 PM

stoughton WI

Condolences to his family

1/1/2022 3:21:25 PM

Jericho Vermont

Condolences to his family and friends.

1/1/2022 3:28:05 PM

New Richmond WI

I feel honored to receive my surprise annual visit from Matt Marose and Doug Carlson again this fall. Two good pals and two good guys! I remember one year's visit Matt and Doug pulling up fence posts like mere toothpicks. It is noticeably special when someone believes in you. Love You Matt Marose! Dear Lord, Emily and Leanna need you.

1/1/2022 9:39:16 PM

Grittyville, WA

Condolences. Stay healthy everyone.

1/2/2022 2:05:57 AM

Bottom of ohio

Thoughts and prayers

1/2/2022 1:49:18 PM

St.Paul, mn

Matt was a stand up guy and very generous guy.
I lost my last pumpkin to a deer and Matt and Doug had an extra one and offer to me. That was Matt. I will always remember his kindness. Work with Matt and Doug at the Weigh, off very hard workers . It was an honored to be his friend.
He will be MISS.

Mark

1/2/2022 5:14:38 PM

Massachusetts

so so sorry, rip.

1/2/2022 7:25:19 PM

Jackson Twp, Ohio

Joe, That's painful and a loss for sure. What an eloquent obituary, great work on something you never wanted to write and I never wanted to read. My condolences to all of the growers who knew him and most importantly to his family. Nick

1/4/2022 6:32:02 AM

British Columbia, Canada

Very sorry to hear. My condolences

1/4/2022 5:34:25 PM

Buffalo, MN (Billsbigpumpkins@hotmail.com)

Matt you will be missed by many. Your were one of the best fiends I had in this sport. I will really miss him at the weigh-offs. I send my Condolences to his Family.

1/6/2022 7:27:16 PM