Matthew James Simonson

Matthew (Matt) Simonson, age 64, entered the arms of his Lord and Savior on October 28, 2026, following a courageous and long battle with a chronic illness. Throughout his health struggles, his unwavering faith in Christ remained his anchor, inspiring everyone around him. Born on September 14, 1962, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he was the son of the late James and Shirley Simonson. He married Cheryl Soper on December 28, 1985, and together they raised their children in Oshkosh.

Faith, family, and hard work were the foundation of Matt's life. He began his career at Noffke Lumber, where he worked with dedication before turning his passion for craftsmanship into his own construction business. Throughout the community, he was known as a man of integrity who built everything to last.

Matt found joy in life's simple pleasures like taking his grandkids for "pennies candy" at the local BP, cheering on the Green Bay Packers through thick and thin, and playing golf in pursuit of the perfect swing. He also cherished Wednesdays spent playing cribbage and trading stories with close friends.

Among Matt's most treasured memories was the time he spent in Tanzania, Africa, visiting and staying with his beloved cousins and their family. The landscape, the culture, and the deep family bonds made during that journey held a special, enduring place in his heart.

To know Matt was to laugh. Blessed with a sharp, quick-witted sense of humor, he possessed the rare gift of remembering every single joke he ever heard, always ready to brighten someone's day with a punchline. Above all, his heart belonged to his family and his friends. He loved them fiercely, and his legacy of faith, laughter, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, James and Shirley Simonson. He leaves behind his wife, Cheryl; his sons, John (Brittany) and Michael (Gustavo); and his cherished grandchildren, Jordy, Cobie, and Camilo. He is also survived by his sister Ingrid (Jeff) Jorgenson, his sister Sonja Simonson, as well as multiple cousins, nieces, nephews, and a large community of dear friends.

Matt's family thanks God for the gift of friends and family who have walked alongside them, offering comfort and peace when it was needed most. They are especially grateful to Moments Hospice, Ingrid and Jeff Jorgenson, Pastor Asher O'Callaghan, and their faith community at All Saints Lutheran Church for their love, prayers, and steadfast support.

A memorial service for Matt will be held on Monday, November 16, 2026, at All Saints Lutheran Church, 1072 Honey Creek Road, Oshkosh, WI beginning at 11:00 am. Visitation will start at 9:30 am and will continue until the time of the service. A luncheon will follow the service at church; all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made to All Saints Lutheran Church using the QR code specifically designated for Matt's memorial or Habitat for Humanity of Oshkosh Give Page.