Salina, Abilene, and Littleton, CO – The communities of Salina, Abilene, and Littleton, Colorado are in mourning following the unexpected passing of Matthew Thomas Schmitz, who died on December 15, 2024, in Denver, Colorado. Matt, as he was affectionately known, was a 41-year-old father of two, dedicated husband, and cherished son. His sudden death has left a profound void among his family, friends, and colleagues, and serves as a poignant reminder of the joy and impact he brought to their lives.
Born on September 15, 1983, in Salina, Kansas, Matt was raised in Abilene, Kansas by his parents Leonard and Chadra Schmitz. His natural curiosity and charm enabled him to connect effortlessly with others from a young age. Matt’s family remembers him as an eager learner and explorer, traits that defined his early years. He graduated from Abilene High School, where he excelled academically and forged lasting friendships.
Matt pursued higher education at the University of Kansas, earning a degree in biology. His college years were marked by dedication to his studies and a growing passion for science and technology. It was at KU that he met Suzie Hsieh, who would become his wife and the mother of their two children. Their partnership was characterized by love, shared dreams, and a sense of adventure.
Upon graduation, Matt began a promising career in pharmaceutical IT consulting with Cerner Corporation in Kansas City. His role as a pharmacy IT consultant and sales representative allowed him to blend his technological skills with a desire to improve healthcare. Matt's intelligence and warmth earned him respect and strong relationships in his field, contributing to his professional and personal success.
Matt and Suzie married on June 6, 2015, in Kansas City, Missouri. They built a life together filled with love and laughter, and in 2020, they moved to Seattle, Washington, seeking new experiences. A year later, they relocated to Littleton, Colorado to be closer to family and enjoy the Rockies' natural beauty.
In Littleton, they welcomed their sons, Parker Hsieh Schmitz in August 2021, and Owen Hsieh Schmitz in October 2023. Matt was a devoted father who embraced the joys and challenges of parenthood. His love for his boys was boundless, and he envisioned a future full of shared adventures and cherished moments.
Matt had a zest for life evident in his passions for cars and the outdoors. He frequently attended car shows with his son Parker and rarely missed a Formula One race. Matt also enjoyed hiking, fly fishing, and spending time in nature. His home was a place of warmth, often filled with family and friends, where he loved to entertain with his cooking and enthusiasm for sports.
Matt’s playful spirit and quick wit endeared him to those who knew him. His love for his family was central to his life, and his passing leaves a deep void in the hearts of his wife Suzie, his sons Parker and Owen, and his extended family. Matt’s legacy of kindness, love, and adventure will continue to inspire those who knew him.
Matt is survived by his wife Suzie and their two sons, Parker and Owen, his parents Leonard and Chadra Schmitz, his grandmother Phyllis Wilson, his sister Jessica and her family, his brother Jeremiah and his daughters, and many extended family members. A visitation will be held on December 27, 2024, at Martin Becker Carlson Funeral Home, followed by a funeral service at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church on December 28, 2024. Memorial contributions can be made to the Community Foundation of Dickinson County in his memory.
Matt’s memory will live on through the lives he touched, reminding everyone of the importance of cherishing every moment and embracing life with joy and enthusiasm.
