Obituary

Matthew Joseph Willenborg, age 35, loving father to Annabelle, son of Gary and Mary, brother to John and Shirley, uncle to Zachary, Karli and Christine, and cousin to a myriad of relatives, passed away on December 5, 2020.

Matthew was born in Denver, Colorado on July 3, 1985. He lived there until the age of 6 and then in San Antonio, Texas until the age of 9. He spent the rest of his life in Southern California. He attended St. Mary and All Angels grade school, Santa Margarita Catholic High School and then graduated from California State University with a BS in Anthropology. As a very young child he was always collecting “parts” for his “machine”. He never stopped collecting. He loved to shop at thrift stores and the internet, wherever he could get the best deal. His favorite colors were black, gray and green. He would not wear anything that had a company logo on it. He did not believe in advertising for free.

As a child he was very active in sports, including swimming, bike riding, soccer, baseball, basketball and football and was always doing “ollies” on his skateboard. He loved to snowboard but being a bit of a daredevil, managed to break his wrist and the “snow cone” on his shoulder. We had many trips to the ER for stitches but the strangest one was when he put silly putty in his ear as he had an earache and wanted to go in the neighbor’s pool. When we took him in to the ER, the doctor remembered him from a few weeks before getting stitches in his leg.

Matthew’s recent passions were mini-bikes and cars and he had a collection of them, many that were in need of repair. He favorite car was his Toyota Starlet lovingly referred to as the “Yoda” and was looking forward to his next project a VW Type 3 in severe disarray. He had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh. His biggest love in his life was his daughter, Annabelle. He spent every waking moment thinking of her and planning for her future. She was the “smartest, cutest, most perfect child to him”. His house was just full of toys and all children were welcome. He also loved animals. At one time he had feral cats coming into his backyard and he would put food out for them.

He loved working on computers and would make them for himself as well as for others. He loved playing video games and had a collection of nerf guns. One of his favorite things to do was shoot off fireworks. He got into silk screening and would make unique designs for his shirts. His enthusiasm for life and his smile brought you right along with him.

Matthew never judged a book by its cover. A heart of gold can reside under a poor coat and Matthew saw gold in everyone. He would always lend a helping hand. He was a humanitarian who was kind to animals and any person in need. He always made time for others and he took an interest in things that others may have passed by. He could see things in a way that was never critical of others or their beliefs. He never belittled others and had empathy and compassion for everyone. Matthew’s world was a nice one – his world view was of optimism.

We will miss him forever.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Salvation Army, an animal shelter, or the college fund for Annabelle Willenborg.

Funeral Service

Date & Time: January 4, 2021 (11:00 AM)
Venue: St. Edward The Confessor Catholic Church
Location: 33926 Calle La Primavera Dana Point, CA 92629 - (Get Directions)
Phone Number: (949) 496-1307

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29 responses to Matthew Joseph Willenborg

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Ann Loewe says:

December 27, 2020

Hey Matthew,
We all love and miss you but especially your Mom and Dad and Annabelle and all your family!
You were a great-nephew and I will always treasure the memories of you and Josh and Danielle hanging out together as little kids. We had a lot of fun at the beach watching you guys enjoying the ocean! You were all fearless and scared the heck out of your mom and me. I hope you were greeted by all your loved ones that went before you! Keep smiling and fixing things because that’s what you loved to do! Forever in our hearts!
Love,
Aunt Ann

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Trish Palacios says:

December 28, 2020

The world has lost a light. So very sorry for your loss Mary and Gary.

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Vanessa says:

December 28, 2020

I remember the first time we met, it was at a silent disco. We spent the whole night talking and with our feet in the pool. I’m thankful to have met someone like you. You made me laugh and smile and we could talk about anything! You were definitely a rare soul I’m so mad at myself for not meeting up with you the last time we talked, I don’t understand why you had to go so soon. You will be missed greatly and I will keep your baby girl in prayers.

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1. Laura says:
  
  January 3, 2021
  
  I miss you. So much. You have forever changed me into a better person, and I never had the chance to thank you. I know I never needed to. But I still am so grateful for what you added to my heart and soul.
  
  When you found me I was in a very dysfunctional household and now, I raise my daughter to be everything that wasn’t, everything I found in you. Im happy she got to meet you but mourn the loss for her, as I have never had anyone in my life whom I admired as much as i did you. I wanted her to know you and learn from you, and she will through me, but I tell you it takes the greatest of strength to not break down daily. But I just stare into my daughters eyes and remember you are the reason I avoided my own death. And so you truly gave her life, and of course, saved mine. I love you so much.
  
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Jessica Arnold says:

December 30, 2020

Matthew will be very much missed by all! I always got a laugh when messaging back and forth. Wish I could’ve seen him again sooner. He had a shine about him! Always made me laugh. Our thoughts and prayers to Aunt Mary, Uncle Gary, Shirley, John, Karli, Tine, and his little girl. May you all find comfort at this difficult time – love Jess

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Ryan says:

December 31, 2020

Matt,
You were the big brother I never had. And so many memories, it’s hard to pick one to share. I met you the day my family moved to Laguna Niguel and you were in my backyard throwing rocks at the house, we became inseparable from that moment. Fast forward to 2006 we were living in Salamanca Spain and decided to take a trip south to Malaga and Gibraltar. We didn’t have much money, and you were intent on seeing the wild apes of Gibraltar. We decided to sleep on the beach instead of spending money on a hostel so that we could pay for the shuttle to take us to the top of the mountain. I had never seen you so intrigued as when you were interacting with the wild apes. I remember you taught one to use your MP3 player.
My heart bleeds for Mary and Gary and your daughter. And I offer my sincerest condolences to the Willenborg, Loewe, and Loturco Families

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