An Amazing fellow, I'm glad to have known you Matt. From the moment you climbed onto the bleachers, the new kid, in our gym class at Madison East (year omitted,) through years of sharing an apartment in college, and countless Spring Breaks, road trips, and beer farts.

You were an unflappable guy, with a sense of calm envied by the men in the group, and a selfless conversational style and ability to listen that made you approachable to the ladies. Matt was the one you wanted to take with you when you went out. He was also tall, so you couldn't lose him in a crowd. Bonus.

There are entirely too many memories to recount here, but know, Matt, that you were a ray of light that made each of our lives brighter. 

To Matt’s new family: Meg, Jack, Vivian, and Lolo, and to his parents, sisters, relatives, and friends: we’re all lucky to have shared a common experience in knowing the guy and we will miss him sorely.

Thanks, Matt, for meeting me a year ago for dinner and drinks when I was in Western MI on business. Sorry for poking fun at your Abercrombie & Fitch ensemble (I guess that's still a thing?)

Love, 
Seth

I have many great memories working with Matt on various Missions and Launches for the Minotaur Program.  He was a great Engineer, and person.  He was very dedicated to any effort he undertook.  I can only imagine how much he will be missed.  May his memory be eternal. 

We are heartbroken.  First, knowing how his death will affect Megan, Jack, Lolo and Vivi; then we grieve at the loss of our son, an amazing man. We admired his unending patience with his children and his love for his soulmate, Meg.  We can’t take credit for the exceptional man he became.  Matthew’s love for Megan and his children inspired him to become someone loved and admired by many. He will forever be in our hearts and on our minds.  ‘Til we meet again, 
Love, Mom and Dad

I didn’t know Matt well, but I know Megan through our online business. A sweet memory I have of Matt is when Megan and I went on a joint business trip with 2 other ladies to California in January of 2016. Both Megan and I were pregnant with our youngest children. When we came home, Matt was there with a big sign that said “We love you mommy - 3 star diamond” (which is the rank Megan had at the time for her business). Every time I saw Matt, I observed him to be kind, a doting husband and father and devoted to Megan and their children. My heart breaks for the whole family. 

Matt was a great friend and teammate.  I'll miss our quick catch-ups between meetings, going out for drinks, getting the families together, camp outs, and festivals. Conversations with him were easy and natural.  We had common interests in family, travel, investments, and brewing .  He was a proud dad and prioritized his family. In the photo we are taking a break, but Matt is busy playing with his kids, for whom he had unlimited energy.  I'm thankful our families got to know each other and I regret the times we'll miss.  My heart goes out to the Zernicke family.

I worked with Matt since I joined Gentex 8 years ago. Matt was not only a great person, but a smart engineer, a great colleague, and a dear friend. One thing I always loved about Matt was that he kept the stress out of the projects for the team. Deep down in my heart, I am glad I got to tell him this in 2019 that how amazing of a colleague he has been all these years! I will never forget his laugh. We had our funny moments when I had to jog after him when he walked (a tall guy!), and he would slow down for me…he will always be my favorite project Engineer! Megan, Kids, and Family no words can express how sorry I am for your loss. Lots of Love. 

Matt was such an amazingly nice person. He always greeted me with a smile. In my time working at 3bb, I always felt welcomed by Matt, and the rest of the 3bb owners. I am so sorry to hear of this loss. Megan, you and your family, as well as Matt's family, are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything, please let me know! Grief never goes away, grief is ok to feel forever. 

<3 Dana

The Zernicke family has always been special to me, I was fortunate to babysit for Missy, Sarah and Matt. Even though I wasn’t able to know Matt as a grownup, as I can see he was a wonderful person! Jim, Sue, Missy and Sarah you will always mean so much to me , that is why my heart aches for all of you. Greg and I send our deepest sympathy. Megan please except our sympathy also, praying for you and your children. 

Matthew was a grade school classmate and friend in Wausau, WI. He was blessed with a great sense of humor, a love of sports, and a family who along with him always made you feel welcome. Although the years have passed, you never forget those who were a part of your childhood. The Lord’s comfort be with you throughout these days. Peace. - Peter K

I had the privilege of working with Matt for a few years.  He was a great engineer, and also a great guy to work with.  His work ethic, humility, and calm competence stand out  from my time working with him.  He will be greatly missed, and my prayers are with his family during this time.

Again, my sincere condolences to Megan, their children and both sides of the entire family. The loss of a loved one is a challenge to cope with; cherish the memories forever.

Meghan and family—we are so very sorry for your loss.  We didn’t have the privilege of meeting Matt, but we have known Ray and Linda for many, many years.  Our deepest sympathies.

Sue and Jerry Meeuwenberg

I was fortunate to have gotten to know the Zernicke family this year when I taught Jack.  Matt was always kind and interested in what we were doing in the classroom.  He often sent me an email to let me know when Jack enjoyed something we were doing in class.  My heart goes out to their whole family at the loss of a wonderful dad. 

Matt was such a good guy.  He was smart and funny, but he was also kind.  I'm glad to have known him and lucky to have called him a friend.  He is gone too soon. 

Matt was such a joy to be around. We sat right next to each other at Gentex for many years - working on SmartBeam together, discussing Wisconsin/Michigan sports, and talking about what was new with our families. Whenever me and my wife would go to Three Blondes, he would give a great recommendation of what to try.
One of my favorite memories is when we both happened to be in Arizona at the same time for the NCAA tournament, and Matt invited me to a watch party at his friend's house. It was so kind of him, and we had a blast!
Matt was an amazing person, and I will never forget him.

Despite the fact that Matt was an avid fan of the Wisconsin Badgers we all enjoyed working with him.  Matt was gracious, fun, and very accomplished in his work.   Matt cared about the team while getting the project work done.  I will miss interacting with him very much.  As mentioned above, we will pray for Matt's family as you adjust to life without him.

I have worked closely with Matt on several different projects at Gentex. What a tremendous pleasure Matt is to work with, and talk with.  He will be missed so very much here at work.  I'm so sorry, my prayers are with his family.

OBITUARY

Matthew James Zernicke

March 31, 1975 – July 3, 2020

Lakeshore Memorial Services

Show your support

Add a Memory

Share Obituary

Get Reminders

Services