Matthew Austin Kolberg's Obituary
Matthew Austin Kolberg, age 47, of Holt, MI (formerly Muskegon), passed away unexpectedly on Monday, October 20, 2025. He was born on September 23,1978, in Grand Haven, MI to Kim and Shelley (Austin) Kolberg. He attended Reeths-Puffer Schools and continued his education at Michigan State University where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Telecommunications and Information Systems Management. Matt was currently working at Peckham as a Special Projects Analyst on the Finance Team.
In high school, Matt was a proud member of the Reeths-Puffer drumline and jazz band. He enjoyed spending time on Beaver Island with his lifelong friends. Matt’s curiosity about how things worked fueled his sharp intellect. The problem with that, was he became really good at taking things apart, but then very rarely took the time to put them back together. Along those same lines, Matt had a deep love for technology. He was a computer genius who helped countless people resolve their computer headaches over the years. Matt was also known for his gift of storytelling and ability to make others laugh. If Matt didn’t know the answer to something you asked, he’d make it his mission to find out—and the next time you saw him, he’d happily share the full report. Matt never minced words, but at the same time, would do anything for the people he cared about. The friendships he maintained were very important to him and he took his role as “Uncle Matt” very seriously. He will be deeply missed.
Survivors include his mother, Shelley Wierda; stepfather, Kevin Wierda; sister, Megan (Brent Foy) Kolberg; brother, Ryan Kolberg; stepmom, Carole Kolberg; step siblings, Trevor (Shannon) Thedorff, Troy (Tammy) Thedorff, Kurt Wierda, Elizabeth (Nic) Miller, and Kyle (Abbey) Wierda; and cherished friends: The Hower Family.
He was preceded in death by his father, Kim Kolberg; grandparents, James (Marie) Austin and Kenneth (Clara) Kolberg; his stepbrother, Todd Thedorff; and his friend and mentor, Dave Paul.
Per Matt’s wishes, there will be no service. Donations can be made to the Reeths-Puffer Marching Band.
Arrangements entrusted to The Walburn Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 1547 W. Sherman Blvd., Muskegon, MI 49441. Share memories with the family at https://www.sytsemafh.com.
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