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Matthew Schanzenbacher Obituary

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Matthew Thomas Schanzenbacher on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 in his 35th year. The only son of Tom (Kelly), Shelley (Charlotte), much loved brother of Kaitie (Jahdiel) and step brother to Cody and JJ. Dear grandson of Tom and Berneice Hause and predeceased by his grandparents Joe and Doreen Schanzenbacher. He will be deeply missed by his many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Matt was lovingly known as "Matty", "Schantzy" and "Donny" to his larger than life network of friends and family. This large network was truly a testament to the person and friend Matt was.
Matt was a son, brother and extraordinary friend and his legacy will live on in the hearts of everyone he met, and everyone who loved him. He was also known as the "Master of Hugs". When you got a hug from Matt, you never forgot it, he hugged with his whole heart.
There truly was no one quite like him. In Matt's eyes, everyone he met was a friend and he made sure everyone around him felt welcomed. Always with a smile on his face and a hug to extend, he was the kindest soul and the life of the party. There wasn't anything in life that wasn't worth a celebration in his eyes. He was loyal, funny and genuine. He had the most infectious laugh. Wherever he is, whoever he is with, is unbelievably lucky to have him, and that is an understatement.
Cremation has taken place. A private celebration of love for Matt will take place at a later date. As an expression of sympathy please make a donation to the KW Humane Society, in honour of Matt's love of animals.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Waterloo Region Record on Aug. 5, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Schanzenbacher

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17 Entries

Group of 10 Memorial Trees

Bonnie Bender

Planted Trees

Jeff Mohring

August 8, 2021

Schantzy I am so very sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you my friend.

Donna Rose

August 8, 2021

Shantzy my heart breaks for you and Kaitie. Such a tragic loss. Hugs to you all. Hope to see you soon. Love you ❤

Sue and Mark Havitz (Shantz)

August 7, 2021

Our family (Shantz) lived across from the Schanzenbacher family since 1961, and our families all attended St. Leo’s School. We all grew up together and our parents lived there for over 55 years. We have many fond memories of our times together along with out kids in the neighbourhood. We are so very sorry and saddened Tom to hear of Matt’s untimely death. We never met either of your kids but Matt sounded like a one in a million kind of guy, truly a really special friend that you wanted to know. Mary Ellen spoke so highly of him and was heartbroken as well by his death. Hopefully you will have many happy memories and fun times to remember Matt by. We’ll keep you and your family in our hearts and prayers, always. Jan and Tricia both send their condolences as well.

John Shay Keenan Terri O'donoghue

August 7, 2021

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Our deepest sympathy.

Cindy Martin

August 7, 2021

I remember Matt riding on the back of his Dad's motorcycle when he was just a tiny gaffer. He was not at all happy with his Dad because as Schanzenbachers do he had stopped to say hi to me and Matt was told they were going for a donut. I know Matt had mountains to climb in his early years but seemed to have reached the other side. The heavens have added another star to their lights.

Jordan

August 7, 2021

From Australia: Jordan, Tim, Tyson, Dave and Alex plus many more. A friend we will never forget and we were so lucky to be blessed by his friendship. Thank you Donny.

Tamara McBride

August 5, 2021

Dear Shelley, Charlotte and family,
My heart is broken for all of you your loss.You are Blessed with your memories of Matt.God Bless

BRAYDEN WILLIAM HOOPER

August 5, 2021

Hey homie, it was always a pleasure catching up when you were back in Ontario. Shooting it about the old Aussie times. Real sad to see ya go mate, Catch ya on the flip side, you'll be missed down here

Kim Schaner

August 5, 2021

Matt had the most beautiful smile that instantly warmed your heart. He did give good hugs. He genuinely loved people. He will be dearly missed by so many but never forgotten. Our sincere sympathies to Matt’s family and friends. Kim and Tim Schaner

Joanne Hoffman

August 5, 2021

Tom and Family!
So Sorry for your loss! My heart is heavy reading this he was loved and he’s left his mark! God Bless!

Maureen and Paul Dwyer-Hansen

August 5, 2021

So sorry to hear of your sons passing Tom. Sending you and your family our condolences and love.

Alexandra Motts

August 5, 2021

I never met Matthew but this is a lovely obituary that you can really feel the man he was and is. A very tragic loss of a special life on earth cut short. Sending healing thoughts and love to Shelley and family.

Barb Baur

August 5, 2021

So saddened for your terrible loss of Matt. Sending love and prayers.❤

Tim & Jane Bernier

August 5, 2021

Our hearts are broken for you all and know that Heaven sure got lucky that day! Tim and Jane Bernier

Shayna

August 5, 2021

Sending my deepest condolences to Matt’s entire family. He lived and loved more in his short 35 years of life than many people do in double or triple that time. I feel blessed to have been a small part of his journey. All my love and prayers. Rest in the sweetest peace, Schantzy.

Cindy Mara

August 5, 2021

Sending all our love and prayers
Bob and Cindy Mara

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results

Memorial Events
for Matthew Schanzenbacher

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.