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Matthew Christian Rhule passed away peacefully on July 23, 2026, at the age of 52. Born in Altoona, he was the beloved son of Mary Ellen DeHaas and Ralph E. Rhule.
Matthew is survived by his parents; brother, Benjamin; nephews, Liam and Owen; his faithful border collie, Mac; and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Matthew was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Philip and Ann Orr DeHaas; and his paternal grandparents, Ralph and Winifred Kincaid Rhule.
A graduate of Altoona Area High School in 1992, Matthew went on to create a rich life of outdoor experiences, learning and appreciation of nature. Matthew's greatest love was freshwater fly-fishing in Pennsylvania and Colorado, as well as saltwater fishing in North Carolina and Costa Rica. Snowboarding, skiing and cooking were also favorite pastimes. No matter where he lived, Matthew found beauty.
Matthew was always a patient listener whose quiet presence brought comfort to those around him. He possessed a deep compassion for the natural world and lived with a profound respect for the environment. A transcendentalist philosopher at heart, he believed in finding meaning through simplicity, nature, reflection and authentic human connection.
In a world that often reveals arrogance, Matthew displayed humility, modesty and unassumingness.
From one of Matthew's first poems:
"Not enough time in a day.
I'll see you sometime.
It will all work out in time.
I love you all the time."
There will be a celebration of life scheduled for the near future.