Matthew James Shebilske

Matthew James Shebilske 1970 ~ 2013 How do you begin to write a farewell for someone like Matt? It seems impossible that the "Matt stories" will have no new chapters. The ones we have are full of mischief, laughter, love, and are not nearly enough in number. So we start at the beginning. Matt was born October 16, 1970 in Appleton, WI. He moved to Utah as a young child and later graduated from Jordan High School in 1989. He married Jennifer Hoffman on January 20, 1995. Matt achieved his dream of being in law enforcement. He graduated from the Pre Service Academy April 29, 2004 and worked as a Correctional Officer at the Utah State Prison for the last 9 years. Matt had the greatest respect and love for his brothers in blue, and considered them his second family. Matt was an amazing father, providing his girls with a rock solid "home base" and the knowledge that if it was broken, he would fix it; if it seemed too tall, he would help them climb it; and if they had a dream, he would help them achieve it. He was proud of his girls, and celebrated every success, lesson, and accomplishment. Matt's interests were varied and colorful. He was an avid Green Bay Packers fan, a rabid Real Salt Lake fan, a legendary party host, a tapioca pudding connoisseur, a Guitar Hero master, and a Back to the Future guru. Matt loved watching the Tour De France, reciting random trivia, going to Disneyland, riding Space Mountain, bad puns, holidays, animals, children, 80s hair bands, Knob Creek whiskey, and practical jokes. Matt had a passion for exploring the Utah wilderness, which resulted in getting chased by bees, moths, mice, a moose, and a beaver. (It really is an awesome story.) He loved fishing, hated fishing line, loved kayaking and camping. Matt was a beautiful artist, had a beautiful heart, and could turn “colorful” phrases like a poet. His Halloween costumes were masterpieces. (He was the most terrifying Daisy Duke ever to exist.) Matt will be missed by everyone who knew him. He was truly one of a kind. Matt was welcomed home by his Uncles Mike Shebilske and Steve Shebilske, loving grandparents, and undoubtedly an enormous plate of cookies from Grandmother Dorothy. Matt is survived by his wife, Jennifer; his daughters, Lauren and Kenzie—aka Ken-sho Dynomite; parents, Debbie Johnson and Gary and Diane Shebilske; Brothers Ryan (Lori) Wilcox, Andy (Sarah) Strand, nieces, nephews, brothers- and sisters-in-law, and many friends who love him dearly. The family would like to thank Draper City Police Department for their care of Matt, and the Utah Department of Corrections for their kind support. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 2, 2013 at Noah’s, 322 West 11000 South, South Jordan, with a viewing from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made toward Lauren and Kenzie's college fund at any America First Credit Union. The account is in the name of Matthew Shebilske. Online condolences may be offered to the family at www.serenicarefuneralhome.com .

Matthew James Shebilske

October 16, 1970 - July 25, 2013