Matthew Gregory Wittwer, beloved husband, son, brother, uncle and friend, passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on June 20th, 2023 at his home in Salt Lake City, Utah. Matt was born May 22, 1974 in Salt Lake City, UT, to Karl Gregory and Julie Garrett Wittwer. His family, especially his sweetheart, Staci Garcia, whom he found after a very particular and patient search, and married in the Salt Lake Temple on August 19, 2008, will miss the loving care that he shared with them each and every day.
Growing up Matt had a happy childhood enjoying things like music, watching Saturday morning cartoons with his brother and sisters, and playing in the yard and riding bikes in the neighborhood. He especially loved having Sunday dinners with his family and visiting his grandparents who he loved very much. He knew how to tease his siblings but never out of meanness because he had a very tender heart. He loved going to the family cabin and didn’t mind the long drive especially if he was the one doing the driving.
He often shared memories of his childhood and he was grateful for the numerous people who touched his life in so many positive ways. As a teenager, he focused on the Boy Scout program and earned the Eagle Scout award. He enjoyed participating in outdoor activities and loved spending time with his cousins who became as close to him as brothers. His love of scouting led him to positions in camp staff leadership roles at multiple camps.
He served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Birmingham, England mission, where he fell in love with the people and culture. Matt shared many of those English traditions with his family every year, especially around the holidays.
His college education helped him develop many skills which he used along with his natural gifts and talents to improve his surroundings and touch the lives of everyone around him. He used his training and experiences working in many different fields and in doing so he discovered and chose a successful career providing management and service in the senior living family.
His career path in senior living began as an Assistant Director in a small community and he loved his association with the residents. His dedication to serving them and their families and his passion for serving others, helped him to progress in his career to positions of significant responsibility and leadership. He was privileged to work with great people who became his mentors and trusted friends. His last professional position was serving as a Regional Director with Western States Lodging and Management where he will be greatly missed.
When Matt wasn't working, he enjoyed spending time with family and supporting his favorite teams which were the Utah Jazz, BYU Cougars, Colorado Rockies, and the San Francisco 49ers, with Staci cheering loudly at his side. Matt and Staci enjoyed spending time together and could often be found traveling near and far, visiting new locations, finding, and eating at new restaurants, and making each other laugh. Matt enjoyed reading about history; especially about leaders who impacted the world for good whom he tried to emulate. He liked going boating, four wheeling, and maybe most of all, visiting the family cabin where he could relax and forget about things while enjoying some long naps which helped him recharge his energy. Many of these activities which he often shared with the love of his life, gave Matt and Staci an opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.
Matt was a lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and had a deep testimony of its truthfulness which led him to serve in multiple church callings. His relationship with and belief in the Savior Jesus Christ directed his choices in all aspects of life.
Matt has been and continues to be devoted to his family. He loved his wife dearly, taking the time to show her that love in a variety of ways. He took pride in being the “big brother,” taking care of his siblings, parents, nieces, and nephews. He always surprised us with thoughtful gifts, kind words, and true acts of service. He was charitable, generous, kind and loving in the purest way. The greatest gift he gave to his family was his understanding, unconditional, and unfeigned love. There will never be a way to fill the hole in our hearts at Matt’s departure, but we take solace in our knowledge that families are forever. We love you, Matthew.
Matt is survived by his wife, Staci, parents, Karl Gregory and Julie Wittwer, sister, Monica Crowe (Ben); William, Maddie, Emma; sister, Megan Fabert (Jason); Braxton, Bailee, Brielle; brother, Marcus Wittwer (Amy); Adeline, Chloe, Jack, Dean, mother-in-law, Marlene Garcia, brother-in-law, Judd Garcia; Bree, Mason, Quinton.
He is preceded in death by grandparents Karl and Mable Wittwer; Dean, Amy and Lucille Garrett, father-in-law, Celerino Garcia.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the Belvedere Ward Building, 607 East Downington Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT. There will be a visitation on Wednesday, June 28, 2023 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm also at the Belvedere Ward Building and on Thursday from 10:30 to 11:45 am prior to services at the church. Be mindful that parking is limited, but available on the neighborhood streets.
A recording of the service is available by clicking on the blue "Watch Services" tab above. It will remain for about 30 days.
I had not known about Matt's passing! I thoroughly enjoyed home teaching/ministering with him -- he was one of few of us who really knew how to minister to people. I will miss the opportunity to talk to him again...
Matt was someone I really respected in my time serving with him in the ward. Matt and Staci were very kind to us with sharing there love of the Jazz. I loved to hear Matt bear his testimony. I always listened when he spoke. He was a great leader. After we moved from the ward I ran into him at the Baltimore airport, of all places. I enjoyed seeing him there and talking to him. Staci we grieve with you at this time. We loved you both!
Staci & family - my love, thoughts and prayers are with you all as you navigate thru this difficult time. I know that he was loved by many at WSLM and will not be forgotten. Matt was a positive role model to many and his sense of humor was often needed and appreciated. Sending you the ability to grieve at your own pace and the strength to feel the support surrounding you.
With much love and deepest condolences,
Monica (Hospitality Business Line Colleague)
I am the hairdresser at legacy in Las Vegas I loved Matt so much anything I needed he did it for me I just seen him Friday and we all are so shocked I never worked anywhere that Matt as our corporate director did everything for everyone never missed walking around saying hello to everyone he was like a best friend to me I love him so much he will be greatly missed by all of us at legacy he was one in a million so sorry for your loss hugs to his whole family
Stacy,
I am so sorry to see this text. I remember coming to your wedding. You were a strong woman in our Singles Ward.
My sweet husband, Fred, passed away 8 months ago. It is hard to lose your best friend and sole mate.
Grieving is different for each person, but it isn’t easy for anyone.
I pray you will be able to navigate your journey peacefully with His help.
Sending love and prayers your way.💕
Matt was the most incredible person I ever met. I had the pleasure to work with him at Legacy House of Southern Hills in Las Vegas. He always had an infectious smile that no one could ever deny. He was a kind soul and always took the time to check in with me when he was at Legacy. He had a very unique attitude and he his laugh was contagious. He always had a lending ear to listen and a great shoulder to lean on. He will be missed very much. I am so sorry for your loss. I send my sincere condolences. Love always Dee Foster.
Our Love, Prayers & Friendship go out to You. Matt's good humor & His inspirational talks are some of His many traits.
Peace Be With You, also Our Love!
Carol & Tim
My deepest condolences to Matt's family. Our prayers go out to him and his family.
May he rest in peace.
I had the pleasure of working for Matt for the last year and a half. He was always full of energy and ideas, while professionally taking care of whatever our community needed. I was always glad to see him when he came to our community. I know his wife and family meant the world to him. He will be greatly missed.
I had not known about Matt's passing! I thoroughly enjoyed home teaching/ministering with him -- he was one of few of us who really knew how to minister to people. I will miss the opportunity to talk to him again...
Matt was my regional when I started working at Legacy House of Southern Hills. He was always willing to listen and to provide the support that he was able to. He had a hand in me moving to Utah to work at Legacy House of South Jordan and I will forever be grateful to him for all of his help guidance and concern. He will be missed. My prayers go out to his family.
From the moment I met Matt on his first visit to LVCP after I started working here, I knew I had found my "place". It is a rare thing to have a regional supervisor become a friend. Matt truly cared and was so invested in his work because he was called to serve others. He was so supportive and knowledgeable, and I am a better leader because of his guidance. I will miss him dearly and my heartfelt condolences to family and friends who were blessed to get to be a part of such a wonderful but all too short life! RIP MATT!
Sending peace and love and strength at this most difficult time! Thank you for your kindness and leadership shown to me. Staci please know you and your family are in our prayers daily.
Julie you were my first friend when I moved to Provo and we became friends instantly. Then you met Greg and I met Joe and we subsequently married. We went through our first pregnancy with Carrin being born on the first of May and Matt the on the 22, just 3 weeks later.
We all became good friends as new parents. And so it has gone over the years. Even when we lost touch and reacquainted it was like we'd never been apart. We love you guys oh, so much and it has never diminished over the years. Our full hearted love at this unintentional time of grief remains with you and your family. Our continual prayers 🙏❤️ are with you. Where would we be without our beloved Savior and the plan of salvation. You all will be reunited with Matt across the Vale.
Joe & Cathy Olsen
Staci,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this challenging time. Matt once told me, “Being there for people is what life’s all about.” He was a man of integrity that truly loved and cared for others. His memory will live on forever as he hired and trained some of the best leaders at his company. So many families owe their livelihood to the fact that Matt took the time to teach them how to be a leader. He was the best of the best.
We love you Staci. We are so sorry for your loss.
Kyle & Laynie Markisich
Our condolences to the entire family. Matt was a great friend to grow up with. I have many fond memories.
Matt served as a counselor in the bishopric with Nels in the Belvedere Ward in the early 2000’s. We were both so impressed with the wisdom Matt had beyond his years and his kind and patient service. We love him and send our love to his family and his sweet wife.
I was so saddened to hear that Matt had passed away. He was an inspiration to me as I grew up in the Butler 4th Ward. I remember how he helped me earn merit badges, he helped me learn about and honor my Aaronic priesthood. He inspired me to work hard and enjoy the Boy Scout program. He was always a joy to be around and talk to. I looked up to him in many ways. Thank you Matt for being such an amazing example to me and helping me traverse those difficult and awkward years as a young man and being that person who always helped others. My most sincere condolences to your wife and your family.
Greg and Julie
Paul, Leslie, Gerry, and all of my family join with me in sending our love and sympathy to you and your family
Kay Richards
Such a divine, heartfelt service. So honored and thankful to be able to participate remotely when last minute obstacles came my way. I didn’t know Matt that well but after today he feels like family and I will remember and treasure each loving story I heard today. It’s rare to see so many people being authentic and articulate and I am grateful to have been able to witness it. May the entire company of Heaven fill the void that’s been left by his passing.
My condolences to his family i just to work in legacy house centennial hills for 5 years as a Medtech in memory care he was and awesome boss 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼rest in peace
Matt was a very special man. I will miss him very much. I have so many great memories. I stayed many times at Aunt Julie and Uncle Greg’s house when Matt, Monica, Megan, Mark and I were growing up. Matt would always come up with the coolest games. One of my favorite memories I have of Matt was when Matt, Monica, and me walked to the school to play. On the way home, Matt pushed me into the gutter that had some bad smelling slime in it. We always called it worm poop. I got it all over my favorite Mickey Mouse sandals. I was so upset. When we got back to the house I made Matt wash my sandals. Before that though, I made him smell my sandals. Matt was a good sport. We laughed about that experience many many times after.
Another favorite memory was when we went trick or treating. Matt was kind enough to hold on to me. He said he knew I couldn’t see and he didn’t want me to get hurt. He got teased by some of his friends in the neighborhood for holding a girl’s hand. He just laughed and told them I was his cousin. Matt, I love you. I’ll miss you.
Aunt Julie, Uncle Greg, Staci, Monica, Megan, Mark I love you all very much. I’m so very sorry about your loss.
Greg and Julie
So sorry to hear about your son. I sure you two have had a good influence on countless young people over your lifetimes, and I think Matthew was very lucky to have grown up in your home.
Greg. I'm so sorry to hear about your son's passing. It's especially hard when those in our family go before us. I'm so grateful for the gospel and the hope it gives us of being together as family, againI lost my sister in a horrible accident, the only consolation was our Heavenly Father's plan of eternal happiness.