Matthew James Svuba

Matthew James Svuba, born December 3, 1972, in St. Joseph, Missouri, to adoring parents Dwight and Sharon Svuba, passed away very unexpectedly on January 24, 2026, in Lakewood, Colorado, at the age of 53. He was a devoted husband, loving father, cherished son, brother, uncle, and friend whose life was marked by kindness, compassion, and faithfulness to those he loved.

Upon graduating from Central High School in 1991, Matt furthered his education at Missouri Western State College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1996. When Matt was 18 and Jamie was 19, they met at work and attended Missouri Western together. Six years later, on Christmas Eve, 1996, Matt created a scavenger hunt throughout St. Joseph for Jamie, ending with a marriage proposal at Ashland United Methodist Church, where the two were ultimately married on July 19, 1997.

Matt had a deep love for sports, especially his Kansas City Chiefs, and rarely missed a chance to support his team. Proof of this dedication came when Matt and one of his best friends, Shannon Grable, took all of their high school graduation money and became season ticket holders at Arrowhead Stadium for several years. While Matt loved watching all kinds of sports, he greatly enjoyed playing soccer. He participated in both outdoor and indoor soccer in his 30s and 40s, finding joy in the game and the friendships it brought. Whether on the field or in everyday life, Matt approached everything with enthusiasm, humor, and heart.

Shortly after marriage, a career opportunity with Books Are Fun prompted Matt and Jamie to relocate to Houston, Texas, in July 1998. Through hard work and perseverance, Matt successfully started a book business as an independent contractor for Books Are Fun. Two and a half years later, Matt and Jamie relocated to Denver, Colorado, and continued the book business for twenty years. Soon after COVID, Matt decided to pursue his passion for investments by aligning his personal interests with a career at Charles Schwab. As a 529 Investment Specialist, Matt applied his love for learning and teaching to help families secure their children’s college education. With his friendly and easygoing personality, he bonded with his team through conversation, humor, and happy hours.

In November 2001, Matt and Jamie purchased their first home in downtown Denver. Shortly after moving in, Matt expressed his desire to become a dad. A few months later, they happily realized they were expecting their first child. Kate Isabella Svuba was born on October 26, 2002. Through Kate’s go-with-the flow personality and gentle kindness, Matt knew he wanted a second child to love. A joyful surprise came when Jamie discovered she was pregnant again. The moment Matt found out he was going to be a dad for the second time, he was ecstatic. Cole Matthew Svuba was born on August 17, 2004. Unlike Kate, who he could hold like a football, Matt learned he needed both hands to hold his son. As soon as Cole was born, Matt fell in love with Cole’s old soul and expressive mannerisms and knew his family was complete.

Matt enjoyed making memories with those he loved by hiking in the mountains, riding bikes, skiing, snowboarding, and playing cornhole. He also enjoyed cards, board games and participating with the families day to day activities. He was very proud of his children’s accomplishments, whether through academics, sports, or individual creativity. Most of all, Matt cherished the kindness and outgoing personalities his children brought to family and friends.

Matt will be remembered for his accepting and warm spirit, sense of humor, and ability to bring people together by keeping in touch through frequent phone calls and texts. These genuine connections were part of what made Matt so loved. He had a gift for making others feel valued and supported, and his kind and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Matt is survived by his devoted wife, Jamie (Maggart) Svuba, of 28 years; his children, Kate Svuba (23) and Cole Svuba (21); his parents, Dwight and Sharon (Goettsch) Svuba; his brother, Douglas Svuba; his sister, Rebecca (Svuba) Mathiesen; fathers-in-law Donald Maggart and James Cannon; mothers-in-law Connie Cannon and Reta Maggart; along with brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and many good friends.

Matt is preceded in death by his grandparents George and Dorothy Svuba and Alfred and Dena Goettsch; grandparents-in-law Ronald and Maxine Maggart and Leon and Dora Bennett; and other beloved family members.

Matt’s family and friends will forever cherish the memories he created and the love he shared.

A memorial service will be held at Olinger Crown Hill Mortuary and Cemetery on Tuesday, February 3, 2026.

GO CHIEFS!!