Fortified with the Sacraments of Holy Mother Church Saturday, September 11, 2021, at the age of 94.
Beloved husband of Georgia Garrison Backer and the late Laverne Knapp Backer; loving father of Mary Kathryn Backer, Matthias (Maureen) Backer III, Mary Louise (the late Stephen) Barrett, Robert (Sally) Backer M.D., Edward Backer, Mary Susan Conklin, Mary Carol Miller, Mary Patrice (Michael) Banton, Joseph (Diana) Backer J.D., Brian (Sharon) Backer, Denis Backer BS, J.D. and the late Marilyn Ann (surviving Gary) Parker and Donald Backer; adoring grandfather of 30 and great-grandfather of 18; dear brother of the late Marcella (James) Hoffmann and Jacqueline (Richard) Schleicher; dear uncle of 19 nieces and nephews and friend to many.
Funeral from Kutis Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois on Saturday, September 18 at 9:30 a.m. to Our Lady of Providence Catholic Church for 10 a.m. Mass. Interment at Resurrection Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a gift to ObGyn Dept. St. Louis U Medical School, St. Louis U High School, Our Lady of Providence Church, or Masses appreciated. Visitation Friday, 4-8 p.m.
May his memory be a blessing.
WE WILL DR. MATT BACKER. HE WAS A LIGHT SHINING IN THE DARKNESS, A GREAT MODEL OF CATHOLIC CHRISTIAN LIVING FOR US WHO KNEW HIM.
I used to call him every month when I moved to MESA, ARIZONA. I just wanted to know he was doing. When I got BREAST CANCER in 2010, he helped me get a doctor here in MESA. I have been CANCER FREE for 11 years.
He was always checking my progress.
He was one of my BEST FRIENDS
We now have another SAINT IN HEAVEN praying for us together with LAVERNE.
Wonderful doctor. Wonderful man. Use to be a patient and he set the bar so high no one else can compare. Condolences to the family
Wonderful doctor, wonderful friend, and fantastic singer. He lived a good life…had a loving family, served our country well, shared his medical knowledge, and helped bring many babies into this world. He was “one of a kind” and will be truly missed.
As the son of Dr. Backer’s longtime partner, Dr Raymond E. Probst, both of our families had many occasions to spend time together. Whether it was the annual office pool party, going for boat rides, resealing the office parking lot, or pulling weeds, (plus all the soda we could drink from the office soda machine) I have many fond memories. Thank you for all the fine care you provided for so many patients through the years.
Will always remember red first car 35 Chev coming down to our garage to pick up my brother and go off looking for adventure, not to mention my my John and Pam, thanks to Dr. Matt. He is surely enjoying his reward!
Epitaph
by Merrit Malloy
When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.
Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on in your eyes
And not on your mind.
You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands,
By letting
Bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.
I’ll see you at home
In the earth.
* * * * *
Sending our condolences to all the family, and prayers for comfort.
With Love,
Tom and Linda Karins
My deepest condolences to Georgia and all of Matt’s children and grand ones too. My memory of Matt is much later in his life and always involved some singing…he was friendly to the ultimate, never needed a reason to smile. It was wonderful to be in his company. Back in 2005 he sent me a sweet note:
“Whenever I walk by a church, I stop and make a visit. So someday when they wheel me in, the Lord won’t say “who is it?” No doubt the Lord had his arms around him for the end…and knew who he was!
Sending heartfelt condolences and sympathy to Georgia and the entire Backer family. Rest in peace Uncle Matt.
Dear Mary Kay, I am sorry about your dear father….such a fine man!
I am so glad you got in touch ….and please call sometime…and let me know how you are and WHERE you are!
Sr. Barbara Jennings, CSJ
Mary Kate,
My condolences on the passing of your father. Praying you find peace in the memories you shared.
God’s Peace,
Corliss Cox, CSJA
A fellow Naval Officer and truly a gentleman in all respects. May we all strive to be like Matt.
Fair Winds and Following Seas.
Fred Lydic
CAPT USN (Ret.)
My Condolences to the Backer Family
My deepest condolences to the Backer family, you are in my prayers. It was a privilege to help care for Dr Matt in his time of need. He had such a spirit about him, so pleasant to be around. Loved when he would break out in song at any given moment… will cherish those memories. Very grateful that our paths crossed. RIP kind soul
Dr. Backer made his mark for sure. Serving his country at the most honors of reared Admiral in the Navy, and then providing women with the most compassionate care as an Ob/Gyn Physician. I have worked with Dr. Backer at Saint Louis University School of Medicine for the past 12 years following his retirement, yet he still attended Grand Rounds and teaching to our students/residents. Dr. Backer each year would sing a holiday song to us as entertainment at our annual holiday party. He surely will be missed. We all have been blessed to have known him throughout his honorable career. God Bless. My prayers are with your family.
Dr Matt Backer was a highly respected member of faculty at St Louis U School of Medicine. He was a good friend as well as a role model of professionalism plus caring deeply for all patients. He served his country as well as his profession. I also believe he was a role model for all who choose a profession that consumes ones time and energies but still love family and must walk the line carefully in between those two aspirations,
My deepest condolences to all of the Backer children. So many memories of the Backer and the Russo families. From being neighbors on Ravensbrook, to overnights and swimming on Flamingo, you were all such a big part of my childhood. Sending my thoughts and prayers to all of you.
Our deepest condolences to Georgia and the entire Backer family. Our memories of all of us growing up together are priceless. Praying God blesses all of you with comfort and peace.
Rest in eternal peace, Uncle Matt.
Our deepest sympathy and condolences to Georgia and the entire Backer Family. Our memories as kids growing up together are priceless. Praying God blesses all of you with comfort and peace.
A most blessed person. What ‘Matt’ did for his friends, family, co-workers, and community will never be forgotten. He was best of friends with my father, going back to grade school. The picture of Matt with my father, Thomas Wolfanger, and other close friends Paul Young and Marvin Menne, will remain with me, forever.
Job well done, Matt. May you Rest In Peace.
Warmest and heartfelt condolences to all of the Backer kids on the passing of their dad. Memories of the Wacker – Backer families playing and celebrating events together are bright spots in the memories of my family. Dr. Backer and Mrs. (Laverne) Backer were great friends to my parents and such good people. Their kids are carrying their legacy of goodness forward.
The Our Lady of Providence Church Choir won’t be the same without Dr. Matt Backer’s golden tones! His wonderful voice, great sense of humor, and loyal performances were treasured by all of us and the parish!
Rest in Peace, Dr. Backer, and sing with the angels now!