Born to Eternal Life on June 13, 2018 at the age of 49.  Beloved husband of Laura Kirklewski and exceptional father to Sophia Kirklewski and fur-babies Sapphire and Casper.  Matt is loved by his parents, Joseph and Mary Kirklewski, his sisters, Lee Ann (Gerard Baudet) Kirklewski and Sarah (Kevin) Cottrill,  and brothers-in-law  Louis (Erma) Sanchez and Ricardo Sanchez. He is also survived by aunts, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.

Matt grew up in Grafton, WI.  In his young years he was a competitive swimmer. At UW-Milwaukee, he achieved All American in swimming and graduated with 3 Bachelors degrees.  Soon after graduation he joined the Milwaukee Fire Department.  He absolutely loved it.  He cherished his Fire Brothers.  Matt enjoyed the challenge of rescuing and all aspects of firefighting.  Matt went to New York after 9/11 to help with funerals, any firehouse duties and clean-up.  After several injuries in the line of duty, he needed surgery which forced him to go on disability.  He then created a property business in which he took pride in fixing up homes and selling them to first time home buyers.  His last and best accomplishment was his gift of building our family home with hand picked antique materials which he salvaged giving our home an original unique character.

Matt had the biggest heart.  He was always available to help and give to anyone.  He loved life and joked and laughed often.  He adored supporting his daughter in her adventures, especially in Jiu-Jitsu.  He was at peace near water and when fishing which he enjoyed every chance he could.  No amount of words can express how much he will be missed.

A special thank you to all the caregivers at Froedtert Hospital, Memorial Sloan Kettering, Heartland Home Hospice and Zilber Hospice. And to those special individuals who went above and beyond for us during this journey we can't thank you enough.

Visitation will take place on Thursday June 21, from 9 AM until time of Memorial Mass at 11 AM at ST PIUS X PARISH, 2506 Wauwatosa Ave. A Celebration of Life Party to follow at Maxie's, 6732 W Fairview Ave, Milwaukee, for the rest of the day. In support of fighting Colorectal Cancer, please wear blue instead of black. Memorials to Colorectal Cancer Society, www.cancer.org, appreciated by the Kirklewski Family.