CLEAR LAKE — Matthew Charles “Matt” Platell, 58, of Clear Lake, passed away July 21, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of kindness, compassion, humor and unwavering belief in the value of every person he encountered.
A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, August 10, 2026, at One Vision, 600 Glen Oaks Drive in Clear Lake.
Matt was born November 27, 1967, in Perth, Australia, to Desmond and Carol Shipway Platell. The youngest of three siblings, he carried the adventurous spirit of his homeland with him throughout his life and remained deeply proud of his Australian roots.
He earned a Bachelor of Science and a Graduate Diploma in Environmental Science from Murdoch University in Western Australia in 2013. Matt was an educator in every sense, but the most important lesson he offered others was found in the way he treated people.
His greatest source of pride was his son, Wade. Matt spoke of Wade with unconditional love and admiration, considering him his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment.
Matt also shared a lasting bond with his longtime partner, Kelly. Although their lives eventually followed separate paths, the love, respect and care between them never faded. Together, they shared the blessing of raising Wade and remained close after Matt moved to the United States.
In 2018, Matt packed nearly everything he owned into the trunk of his car, left Western Australia behind and boarded a flight for the United States. He arrived at John F. Kennedy International Airport with plans of reaching California, but an overnight stay in Clear Lake changed the course of his life.
Matt quickly fell in love with Northern Iowa’s people, cooler weather, close-knit community and slower pace of life. What was meant to be a brief stop became home, and the friends he met soon became family.
He began working at One Vision before spending time at Waldorf University and REM in Mason City. Matt later returned to One Vision, where he found the work and purpose that suited him perfectly.
He started as a direct support professional and eventually became assistant technology services coordinator. Matt poured his heart into serving people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, always believing that every person deserved dignity, independence, respect and the chance to live life to its fullest.
He did more than care for people. Matt believed in them. His patience, grace, encouragement and ability to recognize the strengths in others helped many people discover confidence and abilities they may not have realized they possessed.
Matt wore his Australian heritage proudly, often appearing in one of his signature Australian vests and greeting friends with an enthusiastic, “Crikey, mate!”
He enjoyed introducing unsuspecting friends to Vegemite and watching their reactions after the first bite. Matt proudly served as the area’s unofficial Australian ambassador and welcomed fellow Australians whenever their paths crossed.
He also enjoyed attending performances by Australian country singer-songwriter Luke Thomas and often invited others to join him.
Nature was where Matt felt most alive. He loved riding his motorcycle with the wind on his face, fishing, spending time around animals and wildlife, enjoying the outdoors and sitting beside a bonfire with friends.
Those peaceful moments often inspired his familiar declaration: “This is the life!”
Matt found joy almost everywhere. He loved vintage cars, card and board games, cribbage, chess, ghost hunting, pet sitting for friends, displaying his false chameleon, watching live video from the International Space Station and discussing the mysteries of the universe.
He was also known for singing wherever and whenever the mood struck. His musical tastes ranged from “Eye of the Tiger” and “Take Me Home, Country Roads” to Disturbed’s version of “The Sound of Silence.” His favorite song was “Great Southern Land” by Warren H. Williams.
Through the audiobooks he narrated and videos posted to his YouTube channel, Matt left his loved ones the enduring gifts of his voice and unforgettable laugh.
Above all, Matt loved people. He lived by the belief that every wrong could be made right through empathy and kindness.
He offered friendship without conditions and possessed a rare ability to make everyone feel seen, heard, valued and welcome. He was a tireless advocate for the LGBTQIA+ community, had a special place in his heart for children and consistently chose kindness in every situation.
Matt lived fully, smiled often and laughed easily. He always had a joke ready and enjoyed convincing people that actor Heath Ledger had once been one of his students in Australia.
Those grateful to have shared in Matt’s life include his son, Wade; Wade’s mother, Kelly Platell; his parents, Desmond and Carol; his siblings, Stephen Platell and Margaret Platell-Hume; his nieces, Cassie and Angela Platell-Hume; and his many friends and colleagues at One Vision who loved him as family.
Matt will be remembered for his joyful spirit, boundless curiosity, unmistakable Australian charm and the extraordinary kindness he extended to everyone around him.
For those fortunate enough to have known him, his cheerful greetings, contagious laugh and belief in the power of empathy will never be forgotten.
ColonialChapels.com is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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