- Date Of Birth: March 27, 1951
- Date Of Death: September 5, 2021
- State: Iowa
Matthew Kevin McLaughlin passed away peacefully at his in-laws home, Sunday September 5, 2021.
Kevin was born March 27, 1951 in Des Moines to John and Patricia McLaughlin. A life-long Des Moines resident, Kevin attended St. Augustine and Roosevelt schools where he made lifelong and treasured friends. He credits his love of history (Roman) and philosophy to his professors at Regis University in Denver and his love of life and fun from his time at Loyola Chicago’s Rome campus.
Kevin was a member of many civic and social clubs throughout his life most notably “The Every Other Friday Breakfast Club” Wakonda Club and he was a charter member of his cherished AM Rotary Club. Kevin was a devoted Catholic and a lifelong member of St. Augustine’s and Sacred Heart Church.
A retail stockbroker his entire career and founder of McLaughlin investments, Kevin’s real passion was helping people create wealth and protect their wealth through legislative endeavors. Active on both a national and local scale his path crossed many many politicians but his legislative philosophy evolved when he met Steve Forbes and his revolutionary “flat tax” proposal. Steve was an important influence and friend of Kevin’s.
Kevin was a gentle soul from another generation, sincerely interested in people, loyal, loyal loyal, loved a great party and made friends EVERYWHERE he went.
Kevin loved great wine, scotch & caviar, opera, boats, water, outdoor fires, travel, okoboji, boys trips to Minnesota and dinners with friends. He loved his boys JJ (15), Jack (14) and George (10) and was the loudest most enthusiastic cheerleader at all their sport, music and acting endeavors. Kevin loved and was devoted to his family, wife of 23 years, BJ, brother Jeff, sister Bridget (Brad) Bunce and sister Kate. He loved his in-laws George & Jeannie James of Spirit Lake and was Uncle Woo to many nieces, nephews, and godchildren.
Kevin was incredibly patriotic and after 911 began clipping the obituaries of fallen soldiers. He carried those in his breast pocket and prayed for them every day. That act sums up his amazing character.
He is preceded in death by his parents Pat and John “Mac” McLaughlin.
