Matthew Yochum

12/13/1976 — 5/8/2025

Service Date: 6/19/2025
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Matthew “Matt” Michael Yochum passed away peacefully in his sleep, Thursday, May 8, 2025, due to complications of pneumonia and hypertension. He was 48.

Our brother was the first-born child to our parents, Terry and Marlene Yochum on Dec. 13, 1976. Matt shared his upbringing in Lewiston with his eight siblings, learning early the reward of hard work and determination. Together they started and ran a successful lawn mowing business and once walked a roundtrip distance of 6 miles to purchase and carry home a stereo speaker set for their bedroom. Matt’s creativity and craftsmanship showed up early in his life as well, demonstrated by the free-standing wood fort and rocking picnic table he designed and built with his siblings that brought years of enjoyment for all who got to use them. Matt had a sense of adventure from early on too, always up for a sledding trip or a ride on his fat cat motorcycle that he worked hard to purchase and maintain.

Matt attended St. Stanislaus School, Jenifer Junior High and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1995. While in high school he began his knowledge of metallurgy and he earned his first machinist degree from North Idaho College a year after graduation. On a chance encounter at a mutual friend’s house, Matt met his future wife, Nikki Marmon. They were wed in 1998 in Coeur d’ Alene. Together they embarked on a grand adventure as newlyweds and moved to Palmer, Alaska, to start their own family. They welcomed their first daughter, Mattie Lou, in 1999. Matt couldn’t have been happier to be a dad and helped in all the ways he could.

Always curious to learn more and hone his expertise, Matt embarked on a new journey into learning the mechanics of aeronautics at Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Okla. After earning this degree, his family moved back to Alaska where they soon welcomed their second daughter, Jaiden Olivia, in 2003 and welcomed his youngest daughter, Makenna Jo, two years later.

In Alaska, Matt worked as a welder on the North Slope. His hardworking nature and passion for creation were evident in every project he undertook. Matt had a high standard for his work, his family and his country. His love for Alaska and family led Matt to convince five of his siblings, and his parents, to eventually migrate there as well. His respect for his country was demonstrated by his belief in purchasing American made products and seeing his fellow countrymen prosper. He did not shy away from having a conversation with anyone with whom his path crossed.

Every hitch from work found Matt going on a new adventure both in and out of the state. His favorite adventure spots were in Hawaii and fishing along the Kenai Peninsula. Fishing and hunting trips and time spent outdoors were important to Matt and were squeezed into a busy life supporting his family. Matt would often swing into the local fishing hole in the early mornings and grab his limit on the way to work in Anchorage. Also an avid Gonzaga basketball fan, Matt never missed an opportunity to watch the team play either on screen or in person.

After 20 years in Alaska, Matt and Nikki were looking for warmer temperatures and so they moved to Thatcher, Ariz., where Matt continued his welding career. Matt was not just a craftsman of steel, but also a master in the kitchen, whipping up delicious meals that brought joy to family gatherings. He was a devoted family man and often repeated the mottos,“Hang Loose” and “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Matt’s laughter echoed through homes and his zest for life created treasured memories for those fortunate enough to know him.

Matt leaves behind his wife of 28 years, Nikki Yochum, and daughters, Mattie (Jared) Brown, Jaiden (Jacob) Decker and Makenna all of whom he was very proud; his adored grandchildren, Vlad, Ember and Phoenix Brown; his mother, Marlene; along with siblings Joel, Clare (Kyle) Arnzen, Mary (Chris) Barton, Vince (Amy), Beverly (Mason) McCroskey, Andy (Amanda) and Veronica; his parents-in-law, Nick and Betty Marmon; and sibling-in-laws, Randy (Katie), Bryon (Kira) and Kamie (Nate) Allen. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who will also miss him dearly.

Matt is preceded in death by his father, Terry, and youngest brother, Jonas.

A memorial Mass for Matt will be celebrated in conjunction with his father’s funeral Mass at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 19, at All Saints Catholic Church, 3330 14th St., Lewiston. His cremated remains will be buried in Thatcher Cemetery in Arizona.