Matthew H. Sarnecki

(aka Matt or Sarn)

A magician, a trickster, a son, a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, a cousin, a neighbor, the ultimate silly chilly, a meditator, a philosopher, big-hearted, passionate and compassionate, larger than life, ping-pong champion, dog lover, music master, creative genius.

Matt deeply appreciated the art of movies and make-believe; craved the wonder and wisdom of books; and brought the fantastical to life.

Matt made long-lasting and deeply impactful friendships; bringing his bright smile and generous spirit to every relationship.

Matt died suddenly and unexpectedly at age 53. His heart was too big for this world. He could no longer remain in his human form, but he lives in each one of the people who knew him, always bringing joy, and sometimes even a little terror to keep you on your toes.

Matthew never lost the amazement of being a kid - playful like a child, and seeing enchantment and wonder all around him. His love of movies, science fiction, meditation, and music was unparalleled. Perhaps Matt didn’t see his gifts as wizardry, as he was very unassuming and never wanted to push an agenda on anyone. He led with love and curiosity and left a large footprint behind.

Matt is the second of four children of Jan Charles Sarnecki and Judith Holland Sarnecki. He grew up being the only boy with three strong sisters, Kim, Megan, and Kathryn. Like his older sister, Kim, he was born in Iowa City, and spent most of his childhood in Neenah, Wisconsin. He loved movies – Kim and Matt watched the first Star Wars movie 27 times, and we lost count of how many times he watched the Empire Strikes Back. He loved music of all kinds, and pop-punk was his favorite. He enjoyed a good jam session on the drums and being part of a band.

Matt met his soul mate, Jenny B., in Jamaica during spring break from UW-Madison where he and Jenny both went to college. They dated, and dated, and dated, and finally tied the knot on a sweltering day on August 19, 2005. Matt’s creativity and love of films drew him to Los Angeles where he used his genius to create magic and awe.

Matt and Jenny were lucky enough to welcome their incredible daughter Emma into the world on June 29, 2010. Jenny and Emma were the center of Matt’s world. He loved and cared for them with his whole heart. Though they loved life in L.A., they moved back to the midwest to be closer to family and friends in a place where they could have a home with a yard, in the woods of southern Wisconsin.

Matt was an incredible and dedicated father and husband, taking on full time fatherhood and turning their house into a home, caring for their dogs, first Lucy and Oscar, and later Zoe and Daisy.

Matt always made us laugh, cry, think, love, and want to be near him.

If you are someone who experienced Sarn’s magic, pause for a moment and remember how he made you feel. Then take that out into the world that so desperately needs this accepting compassion, love, and creativity. This is his legacy; and we are forever grateful for his presence in our lives.

A celebration of life service for Matt will be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at Lake Country Unitarian Universalist Church (www.lcuuc.org) located at W299N5595 Grace Drive, Hartland 53029. Service begins at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of life, reception immediately following the service, at Revere’s Wells Street Tavern (reverestavern.com), 505 Wells Street, Delafield, WI 53018.

In lieu of flowers: please consider planting a tree or making a donation to Next Door Milwaukee - Books for Kids Program (nextdoormke.org), the American Heart Association (heart.org), or to your local animal shelter in Matt’s honor. Matt and his family would be extremely grateful.