Matthew Nowka

Matt Nowka, a man whose laughter, love, and kindness will never be forgotten, passed away on December 5, 2024, at the age of 50, after a five-year battle with glioblastoma, an incurable form of brain cancer; Matt leaves behind a legacy that is anything but ordinary.

Born on April 5, 1974, at Swedish Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, to Dennis and Jane Nowka, Matt's independent streak was evident from an early age. As his parents proudly report, by the age of two, his intelligence and wit were already shining through, setting the tone for a life marked by curiosity and humor.

A proud graduate of Horizon High School and later South Dakota School of Mines, Matt took his talents from the classroom to the football field, where he played Center. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering in 1997, combining his competitive spirit with a knack for building things that lasted.

In life, Matt found his greatest joy in the simple things: a fishing rod in one hand, a cold beer in the other, his family, and his faith. Introduced to fly fishing by his wife, Kyla, Matt quickly became a master of the craft, and nothing beat the days spent fishing with his boys, Vaughn, Finn, and Beck.

Matt's love for football was legendary, though the highlight of Sunday games wasn't necessarily the plays on the field-it was halftime, when Matt would engage in courtyard football routes with his boys.

Matt also believed in the power of beer, logging sips on his sole social media platform-Untapped. Family and friends were always welcome to join him in his quest for new brews, and he took great pride in finding the perfect one to pair with any occasion. But whether he was cracking open a cold one, playing a fiercely competitive game of Catan or Ticket to Ride, or telling bad jokes (often at his own expense), Matt's sense of humor was a constant source of joy to everyone around him.

At the heart of Matt's life were his faith and family. His wife Kyla made him a better dad, husband, and man, and he loved her more than any woman on the earth. He was endlessly proud of his sons, each of whom uniquely reflects his honesty, love, and dedication to family. Matt also had a gift for building community, forming lasting friendships with people he met at church, work, and his children's schools and sporting events.

Matt's impact extended beyond his immediate circle. In 2016, he lent his expertise to a project in the Dominican Republic, designing and planning a community center that now serves as a hub for education, employment, and shelter for women in crisis. His investment in people, both near and far, demonstrated his unwavering commitment to serving others.

Matt's deep faith in God was the foundation of his life. As a devoted Christian, he lived out his belief in love, mercy, and justice through his actions. His trust in the Lord gave him strength in both the joys and trials of life, guiding him as he supported the broken-hearted, championed peace, and chose to live with joy in every season. In his final days, this steadfast faith provided him with strength, peace, and hope.

He leaves behind his loving wife Kyla, his sons Vaughn, Finn, Beck, his brother Andrew, parents Dennis and Jane, and countless friends, colleagues, and extended family who will forever remember him for his integrity, humor, and boundless love. Though he may not be physically present for all the milestones his children will reach in life, Matt's legacy will live on in their hearts, just as it lives on in the countless lives he touched with his kindness, humor, and generosity.

Matt Nowka lived his life with a heart full of love, a body full of grit, and a smile that could light up any room. While his absence leaves a hole too large to fill, we know that Matt is now fishing in heaven, likely with a cold beer in hand, free from pain and fully healed in the presence of the God he so dearly loves.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Centre for Empowerment and Life Transformation (CELTRA), a Christian organization he has supported for years. Donations can be made through Grace City Denver's Matt Nowka Memorial Fund: https://ppay.co/cfvSZAqSF4E. CELTRA is dedicated to rescuing, empowering, and educating children who are victims of abuse.