In a heart-wrenching event that has shaken the communities of Salina, Abilene, and Littleton, Colorado, the untimely passing of Matthew Thomas Schmitz has left a deep void. The 41-year-old father of two, devoted husband, and beloved son, tragically passed away on December 15, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. His sudden death, while a sorrowful surprise to his family, friends, and colleagues, has also served to remind everyone who knew him of the unique, impactful, and joyful life that Matthew led.
Born on September 15, 1983, in Salina, Kansas, Matthew—known fondly as Matt—was raised in Abilene, Kansas. He was the son of Leonard and Chadra Schmitz, whose legacy and love he carried with him throughout his life. From an early age, Matt exhibited a natural curiosity and an easy charm that allowed him to connect with others effortlessly. His family recalls a young man who was always eager to learn, explore, and experience life to the fullest. It was no surprise when Matt graduated from Abilene High School, where he stood out not only for his academic achievements but also for his character and his ability to make lasting friendships.
After completing his high school education, Matt continued his academic journey at the University of Kansas, where he earned a degree in biology. His time at KU was marked by an unwavering dedication to his studies and his deepening passion for the world of science and technology. However, it was not just his academic prowess that defined his college years. It was also where he met the love of his life, Suzie Hsieh, a woman who would soon become his wife and the mother of their two children. Together, Matt and Suzie formed a partnership that embodied love, shared dreams, and an unyielding sense of adventure.
Upon graduating, Matt moved to Kansas City, where he embarked on a promising career in the burgeoning field of pharmaceutical IT consulting. He worked for Cerner Corporation, a leading health IT company, where he was able to marry his love for technology with his desire to improve healthcare services. Matt thrived in his role as both a pharmacy IT consultant and a sales representative, building strong relationships and earning the respect of his colleagues. His keen intellect and warm personality made him a natural fit for the role, and it was at Cerner that he cemented many of the friendships and professional relationships that would shape the rest of his life.
It was also during this time that Matt and Suzie’s love story blossomed. They married on June 6, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri, in a beautiful ceremony attended by family and friends. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and shared experiences. Their love for one another and their family was evident in everything they did. Whether it was traveling the world together or simply spending time at home with their growing family, Matt and Suzie shared a bond that was both profound and unbreakable.
As life unfolded, Matt and Suzie made the decision to relocate to Seattle, Washington, in 2020, seeking new experiences and opportunities. In 2021, they once again moved, this time to Littleton, Colorado, to be closer to family and enjoy the natural beauty of the Rocky Mountains. Littleton provided the perfect backdrop for Matt’s active lifestyle and love for the outdoors. The family settled into a cozy home where they could embrace the fresh mountain air and spend quality time together, surrounded by the beauty of nature.
It was in Littleton that Matt and Suzie welcomed their first son, Parker Hsieh Schmitz, in August 2021. A year later, in October 2023, they joyfully welcomed their second son, Owen Hsieh Schmitz, into their lives. The birth of their children marked a new chapter in Matt’s life—a chapter he cherished deeply. He was a devoted father who reveled in the joys and challenges of parenthood. Matt’s love for his boys knew no bounds, and he was committed to being present in their lives every step of the way. He envisioned a future filled with laughter, adventure, and shared experiences, including trips to the beach and opportunities to expose his sons to the same sense of wonder that he had felt growing up.
Matt’s zest for life was evident in everything he did. His passion for cars, a lifelong love, was a defining part of his personality. He was known to have a new car every year, sometimes even more frequently, and his enthusiasm for Formula One racing was unmatched. He rarely missed a race, and one of his dreams was to attend an F1 event in person. His love for vehicles extended to spending quality time with his son, Parker, attending car shows during the summer months. These outings became cherished memories, strengthening the bond between father and son.
Beyond his love for cars, Matt was an outdoor enthusiast who enjoyed hiking, fly fishing, and spending time in nature. Whether it was a weekend trip to the mountains or a quick daily walk around his neighborhood, Matt found peace and joy in the great outdoors. His energy and positivity were infectious, and he made it a point to embrace the beauty of the world around him, no matter how busy life got. He often took time to entertain family and friends at his home, cooking up his famous ribs while watching Chiefs or KU games. His home was a place of warmth and welcome, a reflection of the love he shared with his family.
Matt was also a lover of animals, especially his cat, Oliver, whom he adopted from the KC Pet Project. Matt’s persuasive skills were on full display when he convinced Suzie that Oliver was the perfect addition to their family. His playful spirit and quick wit were a trademark of his personality, and those who knew him could always count on him to bring laughter to any situation. Matt had a gift for making people feel at ease, and his lighthearted nature made him a beloved friend, father, husband, and son.
At the core of Matt’s life was his devotion to his family. His wife Suzie, his children Parker and Owen, and his extended family were the center of his world. He was a dedicated husband, a loving father, a caring brother, and a son who always put his family first. Matt’s passing has left a profound hole in the hearts of all who knew him, and his loss is felt deeply in the communities of Abilene, Salina, Littleton, and beyond.
Matt is survived by his wife of nearly 10 years, Suzie, and their two sons, Parker and Owen, of Littleton, Colorado. He is also survived by his parents, Leonard and Chadra Schmitz of Abilene, Kansas; his grandmother Phyllis Wilson of Abilene; his sister Jessica and her husband Brian of Olathe, Kansas, along with their daughters Savannah, Hazel, and Ruth; his brother Jeremiah of Abilene, Kansas, and his nieces Hannah and Madelin. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Irene and Ken Schmitz of Salina, Kansas, as well as his grandfather Thomas Wilson of Abilene, Kansas, and several uncles who had passed before him.
As the family gathers to mourn his loss, there will be a visitation on Friday, December 27, 2024, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home in Abilene, Kansas. A funeral service will follow on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at 2 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in Abilene, Kansas. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Community Foundation of Dickinson County in Matthew Schmitz’s memory, a fitting tribute to a man whose life was marked by his generosity, love for his community, and unwavering dedication to his family.
As the Schmitz family navigates this painful chapter, Matt’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him. His legacy of kindness, love, humor, and adventure will remain with his wife, children, parents, siblings, and friends for years to come. Though Matt’s life was tragically cut short, the impact he made on the lives of those around him will resonate for generations, leaving a lasting reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment and embracing life with the same joy and enthusiasm that Matt Schmitz did.
