ForeverMissed
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Matt, 47, passed from this life to eternity on April 18, 2021 after a courageous, 5-year fight against ocular melanoma.

Matt is survived by his devoted wife of 18 years, Jessica, and their treasured children, Jack (16), Erin (14), and Case (12). Matt is the beloved son to his parents, Candee (Judd) Green and Don (Gail) McCollum; dear brother to his sister Amy (Ben) Keizers; cherished son-in-law to Tom and Laura Styczen; admired brother-in-law to Nick (Sheri) Styczen; adored uncle to Dex, Liam, Simon and Maeve Keizers and Evan and Emmi Styczen. Many aunts, uncles, cousins, dear friends, extended family, and an entire community also mourn this great loss. Matt was preceded in death by and is now reunited with his loving older sister, Erin. 

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held on June 11, 2021, at 1:00 pm CST. 
Parkview Community Church
764 St. Charles Rd.
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

Great news...the church will be at full capacity for Matt's service! Masks are optional. There will be a live-streaming option available.https://www.facebook.com/groups/120886816789788
April 16, 2022
April 16, 2022
We are thinking of Matt always and especially on this April 18th which will mark the one year anniversary of his passing into everlasting life. 

Matt was one of a kind. He was open and honest and easy to talk to. He always had a smile. He was a master storyteller and could make us all belly laugh with his stories and observations. Matt was generous. Any extra he had he gave away. He was a "Yes" when asked to donate to any local fundraiser. If he had any leftovers from one of the many events he sponsored he would drop off the extras for us - pies, mums, Blackberry cinnamon rolls. This was Matt - thoughtful and generous to not only his friends but also to the wider community as well. He was a great cook and his bacon wrapped corn on the cob was one of his specialties. Jessica and Matt together welcomed us into their home and fed us and provided fellowship and friendship. We will always know Matt as the loving father to Jack, Erin, and Case. We will always remember that his family was his first priority and he was fiercely devoted to Jessica and the kids.

The fun times our families share together are among my favorite and most treasured life memories. This is a tribute to Matt and Jessica and the amazing family they created. 

His spirit was strong and we will forever admire his determination, courage and fiercely positive attitude if his life. Matt served God and his faith was strong. We are forever grateful to know Matt and to be witnesses to his eternal love and light on this earth. We are forever grateful to still see Matt in the smiles, mannerisms and brilliant minds of Jack, Erin and Case. Matt was a rare friend to us and we are eternally blessed to know him and Jessica and their whole beautiful family.
June 5, 2021
June 5, 2021
Case and our son have know each other and have been friends since kindergarten, starting with an after school lunch bunch that was held at each others’ homes. When “little boy behavior” started to occur between the two boys, I was at a loss. Matt came to pick up Case one day and we talked about it...he handled it with such grace and humor, all while making sure the boys knew how to handle things going forward. I owed him for that one for sure!

When we’d gather with friends, Matt was quick with a joke, definitely bringing together the room. And while we knew him through our sons’ friendship, there was a no doubt how great of a guy he was.

I know one thing for certain: Matt’s humor and wit is alive and well with Case, who made us all chuckle recently. May Matt’s memories, humble influence, and ability to make people smile live on in the great stories people tell of him. We all will miss Matt greatly.
May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
Brad: Matt was a great person and a valued teammate and friend. The thing I think I’ll remember most about him is how well he could work a room, without doing any work. In such situations very different people would approach and engage him in a way that showed how well he understood and related to them as a person and a friend – something only a truly genuine person could do. I’ll miss him.

Sandi: My favorite story about Matt comes from a mission trip to Cuba in 2019. Watching Matt’s gift for working humbly with and for others was never more apparent than when we were distributing clothing to some members of a local church. It was during this experience that a young man approached us, tentative and clearly nervous. He was the tallest Cuban any of us had seen and was clearly ready to walk away empty handed given his size and lack of fit what we’d brought... until Matt approached him and engaged him. It didn’t take long before Matt removed and handed this young man his own shoes, both of them smiling at the size 14-15(?) sneakers through shared tears. I’m attaching a photo and video of that and other experiences from that trip here... I loved working and engaging with Matt and Case in Cuba, watching Matt’s strong relationship with God grow even greater even during his ongoing cancer struggle. My heart breaks for Jessica and the kids, but I take comfort in Matt’s strong faith and the prayers, love and support that we and many others will continue to provide wherever we can.
May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
The Butler vs NU game feels like yesterday. We talked about our egos, family, and life. A few years later you were on your cancer journey and few years after that I was on mine. This was our new life together...our tribulation. We were soul brothers on this trip but you were the spiritual director. With clarity, you told me about how you talked to your tumor, about immunotherapy, the best way to get to U of C. When the winds of change shifted, you had courage while I desired comfort. Your faith was real and you had a holistic vision for healing. I could see Christ living in you and dying in you. The nurses wept when they heard the news. Of course, you had an impact on them. I will feel your presence as I continue my walk my brother.
May 11, 2021
May 11, 2021
We met the McCollums through their son Case, the summer before kindergarten started at Park District tball. Matt went out of his way to make us feel welcome in Glen Ellyn, and he continued to check in on us well after the summer ended. He would go on to coach our son's basketball team through their early elementary school years, and my son was in awe of his height and dunking skills :) Matt had a fiery and competitive spirit but was also fun. Our son looked up to him as a coach, mentor and family friend. After a sleepover at their house, Matt took the boys out to breakfast and sent us a picture. Their smiles said it all: being with Matt meant having fun! We will miss seeing you, cheering for your battle against this awful disease, and rooting for you to come out on the other side of it all. Your life was cut too short. Know the impact you left won't be forgotten. We pray you have found peace on the other side, and we will continue to support your dear family as they navigate life without you.
May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021
I knew Matt as a student athlete at DePauw University. My wife and I were and are avid basketball fans and came to know most of the players and even their parents. After Matt graduated in 1996 Coach Fenlon arranged a summer European trip to play 4 club teams in various cities. 
Matt was the dominant center in all 4 games. It was our first trip to Europe and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
In Paris the whole team walked to Sacre Cour one evening on Montematre to sit on the church steps, drink a Heineken, and listen to students sing folk songs in many languages. We sat with Matt and Jason Craig while we soaked up the beautiful view of the Paris lights. 25 years later, it's still magical.
These memories have prodded me to begin converting about 2 hours of VHS video to digital format. I'll reach out to his family to share those video memories when the conversion is finished.
RIP Matt. Thanks for the memories.
May 7, 2021
May 7, 2021
Jack, Erin and Case, your dad was an amazing man and friend so many will miss dearly. He always had the time to talk, listen and help others. He loved his family fiercely and had a strong faith. Our many conversations centered around God's will. I'm so grateful for those talks. Your dad was the best! May he rest in peace! Pax
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
Matt was a wonderful nephew and a special person who was loved by everyone who knew him. My heart goes out to Jessica, the kids, and the family. They are in my thoughts and prayers.
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace." Numbers 6:24-26
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
Matt and Jessica were in my Bible study in Chicago when they were dating. After Jessica and Matt got married, he continued in our men's groups until they moved west. Matt took his faith in Christ seriously. It was important to him to grow in Christ and serve others in obedience. I would find it impossible not to like Matt. He was never mean spirited, petty or selfish. A true gentle giant. Jessica and the kids are in my prayers.
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
Matt is my dearest friend from high school and I cannot imagine a world without him. I find comfort knowing the hoosier boy planted strong roots in Glen Ellyn and his amazingly strong and loving wife Jessica and children can be surrounded by continued love and support. The world was a better place for having Matt in it-even though it was all too short.
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
Such an amazing guy. Blessed to have spent time with Matt, and his legacy lives on. 
May 6, 2021
May 6, 2021
Matt was a Solid and Good Man. He was respected in his community as well as his industry. I had a great deal of respect for Matt and I called him a friend. His family should be proud, Matt left this earth fighting, he went down swinging and for that he will always be remembered. May God Bless him and his family. Forever remembered with fondness!

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Recent Tributes
April 16, 2022
April 16, 2022
We are thinking of Matt always and especially on this April 18th which will mark the one year anniversary of his passing into everlasting life. 

Matt was one of a kind. He was open and honest and easy to talk to. He always had a smile. He was a master storyteller and could make us all belly laugh with his stories and observations. Matt was generous. Any extra he had he gave away. He was a "Yes" when asked to donate to any local fundraiser. If he had any leftovers from one of the many events he sponsored he would drop off the extras for us - pies, mums, Blackberry cinnamon rolls. This was Matt - thoughtful and generous to not only his friends but also to the wider community as well. He was a great cook and his bacon wrapped corn on the cob was one of his specialties. Jessica and Matt together welcomed us into their home and fed us and provided fellowship and friendship. We will always know Matt as the loving father to Jack, Erin, and Case. We will always remember that his family was his first priority and he was fiercely devoted to Jessica and the kids.

The fun times our families share together are among my favorite and most treasured life memories. This is a tribute to Matt and Jessica and the amazing family they created. 

His spirit was strong and we will forever admire his determination, courage and fiercely positive attitude if his life. Matt served God and his faith was strong. We are forever grateful to know Matt and to be witnesses to his eternal love and light on this earth. We are forever grateful to still see Matt in the smiles, mannerisms and brilliant minds of Jack, Erin and Case. Matt was a rare friend to us and we are eternally blessed to know him and Jessica and their whole beautiful family.
June 5, 2021
June 5, 2021
Case and our son have know each other and have been friends since kindergarten, starting with an after school lunch bunch that was held at each others’ homes. When “little boy behavior” started to occur between the two boys, I was at a loss. Matt came to pick up Case one day and we talked about it...he handled it with such grace and humor, all while making sure the boys knew how to handle things going forward. I owed him for that one for sure!

When we’d gather with friends, Matt was quick with a joke, definitely bringing together the room. And while we knew him through our sons’ friendship, there was a no doubt how great of a guy he was.

I know one thing for certain: Matt’s humor and wit is alive and well with Case, who made us all chuckle recently. May Matt’s memories, humble influence, and ability to make people smile live on in the great stories people tell of him. We all will miss Matt greatly.
May 17, 2021
May 17, 2021
Brad: Matt was a great person and a valued teammate and friend. The thing I think I’ll remember most about him is how well he could work a room, without doing any work. In such situations very different people would approach and engage him in a way that showed how well he understood and related to them as a person and a friend – something only a truly genuine person could do. I’ll miss him.

Sandi: My favorite story about Matt comes from a mission trip to Cuba in 2019. Watching Matt’s gift for working humbly with and for others was never more apparent than when we were distributing clothing to some members of a local church. It was during this experience that a young man approached us, tentative and clearly nervous. He was the tallest Cuban any of us had seen and was clearly ready to walk away empty handed given his size and lack of fit what we’d brought... until Matt approached him and engaged him. It didn’t take long before Matt removed and handed this young man his own shoes, both of them smiling at the size 14-15(?) sneakers through shared tears. I’m attaching a photo and video of that and other experiences from that trip here... I loved working and engaging with Matt and Case in Cuba, watching Matt’s strong relationship with God grow even greater even during his ongoing cancer struggle. My heart breaks for Jessica and the kids, but I take comfort in Matt’s strong faith and the prayers, love and support that we and many others will continue to provide wherever we can.
His Life

Matthew

May 6, 2021
Matt was born and raised in Indiana, “God’s Country,” as he called it. Playing basketball at Southport High School and DePauw University, he was a proud Hoosier. Matt began earning accolades at an early age being awarded “Best Napper” in kindergarten. This was a skill he carried with him throughout life. As a young boy, Matt enjoyed playing in the field next to his childhood home with neighbor friends. You name it, they played it. One favorite was cattail fights while riding bikes up and down the block. Matt also explored the world of BMX racing at a course in Indy and before long was trying his hand at some freestyle tricks. Somewhere along the line he took up skateboarding and managed to talk his parents into not only building a huge blue ramp but also allowing it to take up valuable driveway space. He played little league baseball and a few years of football before hitting his growth spurt and discovering his passion for basketball. Matt was a member of FCA and the booster club at his high school. Matt looked forward to playing in the Gus Macker 3 on 3 basketball tournaments with his buddies during his summers in high school and college. He joined the ATO fraternity at DePauw and made lifelong friendships; some of which began in a small room smelling of stale beer. Upon graduation, he packed up and moved to Chicago.

Through a DePauw booster connection, Matt landed his first job clerking at the Mercantile Exchange in Chicago. His love for basketball and interest in sports marketing brought Matt to his next professional endeavor working in sales for the Chicago Bulls. He enjoyed rubbing elbows with guys even taller than him and witnessed the team win the NBA championship during his time there. It was about this time that Matt and Jessica met on April 15, 1999. It was a tax day romance that carried on for 22 years. After several years with the Bulls, Matt was ready for a new challenge. He and Jessica were making plans for their future and Matt was talking with several internet start-ups (it was 2000) when he was approached by a couple of the guys he clerked for previously. They were looking for traders to back and thought of him. Thankfully, Matt took a chance on trading and found fast success. He enjoyed a consistent and lucrative trading career for about 8 years. With the financial crisis and the introduction of programmers to the trading landscape, Matt’s career came to a screeching halt. 

It was time to reinvent himself and Matt’s interest in flipping homes and investment properties prompted him to get his real estate license. It didn’t take long before he became a leading agent in his local market. Endearing himself to colleagues and clients alike, Matt was a well respected and beloved member of his community. The majority of his real estate career was spent with Keller Williams until recently transferring his license to eXp Realty. While Matt is no longer physically running the team, his legacy and values will carry on through the continued operation of the real estate team he built. 

In recent years, Matt was truly impacted by his mission trips to Cuba and those he met there. He and Jessica visited Cuba with their children so they too could experience life beyond Glen Ellyn. His Cuban friends were very dear to him.

Matt lit up a room just by walking into it. He didn’t need to be seen but he was certainly hard to miss! Not only large in stature, Matt also had the biggest heart. He had the gift of making the person in front of him feel like they were the only one in the room. He was sincere, easy-going, and eternally positive. Matt valued relationships, was a friend to many and loved spending his weekends with family and his closest friends.

Matt was determined to crush ocular melanoma from the time of his diagnosis. He always believed that he would be healed. While we prayed for healing this side of heaven, it gives us great peace knowing he no longer has to fight and is finally at rest. We are so thankful to know that Matt had a strong faith and belief in God. Our hearts break that he is no longer here with us; yet, Matt’s legacy will live on. Matt’s children were the pride and joy of his life. Being involved in their lives was very important to him and coaching the kids’ teams was one way he did just that. Matt started each day making the kids’ lunches (which mom and kids greatly miss) and sending them out the door with an encouraging word. His kind spirit, respect for others, and wit is alive and will carry on through them.
Recent stories

Cousin Love

June 8, 2021
“Friends might choose you at some point in your life, but cousins loved you from the start.” — Anonymous

Cousins share a very special bond.  They are your first best friends; they are the only ones who understand your family dynamic.  You learn so much from your cousin relationships.  How to laugh, how to have fun, and most importantly how to value family. We learn what matters most in life, and learn about the most important thing in life from our cousins - love.  I will forever cherish the memories I have of my dear cousin Matt.

We remember people for many different reasons.  Maybe their great laugh, or outgoing personality.  Maybe because they share a unique viewpoint, or know how to tell an interesting story.  With my cousin Matt, what I will remember most is a life well-lived and a person well-loved. 

When we were kids all the cousins loved going to hang at our Aunt Fran’s house.  She was the “cool” aunt that had soda, pizza, candy, and every VHS video you could ever want to watch.  Not to mention Atari games galore, which Matt often won.  Out of all the cousins, Matt was always the “good” one.  His kindness and soft- spoken nature impressed everyone. Holidays were always a special time in our family and I can remember that whenever Matt walked through the door the whole room would light up!  People would crowd around him…….the seniors, the adults, the teens, the kids, even the dogs.  He had a magnetic appeal like no other and didn’t know a stranger.

To know Matt was to know you were cared for, was to know kindness, was to know faith, was to know what a good man really is.  Matt was one of the best men I have ever had the privilege of knowing and I was lucky enough to call him my family.

Loved ones will leave us, but the love stays with us forever.  The comfort that we have during this time of pain is knowing that Matt will be in our hearts and memories forever.

Matt, by blood you were my cousin, in my heart you were my friend.  We all love you and miss you very much and you will forever be honored and remembered.

“We didn’t realize we were making memories; we just knew we were having fun.” – Winnie the Pooh









Michael LaConte to Matt

June 8, 2021
Dear Matthew,                                                                                                                                            You are and will always be what I consider the true measure of a man, father, husband and son. I am 64 now and have to say you are truly one of the kindest, gentlemen, and friends I have ever known. I was blessed to be your friend and saw you in the best and the hardest of times. You made me laugh and made me cry. I was there when you had your first child Jack. He carries your spirit and your kindness. So many memories in the Gallery. Laying on the floor and looking at the birds hanging from the ceiling. Sometimes just hanging out over a coffee or a great glass of wine in your kitchen. So many wonderful dinners together with your most remarkable wife and partner till you left for heaven. I know where you are now and just have to look up .My heart is shattered. I miss you... like I do my mother. She was a god to me and so are you .I will never ever, ever, ever forget you.I promised you years ago that as long as I am here on Earth I would be their for your children if they ever need me. My last dinner with you was at the Sugar Factory with Jess, Jack, Erin and Case .I can still see the sparklers on the 22 Scoop Ice cream dessert. We laughed so hard and then the rolling dog came out. You were a gift to the World and you will never be gone in my heart and the thousands of heart you touched with By The Hand and the Missionary work you did. Your gift will bring hope to others for your "Courage" was that of a King, a Lion, a Giant with the biggest warmest heart. You did everything from your heart... I know this for sure!  love you and feel you are near. May your body take a rest and may your spirit fly as high as the heavens .It is hard to write this with tears streaming down but I know and pray I will see you again. Bless you and thank you for including me in your life .Always and forever your friend,                                                                     Michael LaConte

First Family Get Together

May 7, 2021
The Hibbards and McCollums have been close friends for many years.  For our very first get together the McCollum family came over for dinner and drinks.  At the time, I only knew Matt through pick-up basketball games with the other dads in Glen Ellyn.  Matt was the nice guy who could completely dominate you because he was a real player.  We quickly found that we had a mutual love of Indiana University basketball and were lucky that Indiana happened to be playing a big game that night versus the #1 ranked Kentucky Wildcats.  Matt and I traded Hoosier basketball stories as we cheered on the team.  The game was close throughout.  With 6 seconds left Indiana was down two with one final chance.  Matt and I were both out of our seats by now, 3 inches from the TV clamoring for the Hoosiers.  As Indiana guard Christian Watford drained a 3-pointer for a last second victory, Matt and I were jumping up and down, high-fiving, and shouting in disbelief.  Our wives, who were less enthusiastic about the outcome, looked on amusingly.   I was so grateful to have a fellow Hoosier to share that game with and so lucky to have him as a friend.  After that night, the Hibbards and McCollums were inseparable.  We have shared so many good times together.

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