- Date Of Birth: March 5, 1994
- Date Of Death: March 26, 2022
- State: Wisconsin
Matthew George Wenta lost his nearly life-long battle with addiction, succumbing to an accidental overdose at his residence in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin on Saturday March 26, 2022.
Matt was born in Oconomowoc on a bright sunny day in early March, and immediately showed a zest for life, earning the nickname “Musky” for the way he approached meals very early on. Never one to sit still for very long, during his younger years he was constantly out and about exploring what the world had to offer him. As a young boy, Matt was a collector of things.
After suffering a traumatic brain injury on October 12, 2009 the Lord healed Matt, and he graduated from River Cities High School in 2012. He later attended Madison Media Institute for a year, pursuing a music-mixing career. During his school years, Matt was involved in athletics, playing football, baseball, competitive swimming, track and wrestling. He also had a musical side, and played both electric and acoustic guitar.
In 2012, Matt and Katie Buckhouse were blessed with their son, Carson, who lives in Fargo, ND with his mom and little brother Griffin. Carson shares many of Matt’s features along with his personality and laugh. Although they lived far apart, Matt thought about Carson all the time, and relished the time he was able to spend with him.
Matt was a loving son, father, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. To know Matt was to love him, and he loved you right back. Matt was high spirited and full of energy and would always bring laughter and joy to family events and times with his friends. You never knew if you would be getting a hug, a knuckle in the ribs, a wet willy or a cow kiss. Matt’s quick wit and fun loving nature could always be counted on for entertainment at the annual Wenta family camping events where he would entertain with songs, dances and jokes around the campfire.
Matt was a big fan of the Milwaukee Bucks, and cheered them on at home watching on TV, and especially at games with his Aunt Mary. He was ecstatic when they won the championship in 2021 and made his way to the Deer District to celebrate with other Bucks fans. He was also a fan of the Packers, and the NFL in general, always tuning in to root the Packers on. He loved the outdoors, and would grouse and deer hunt with his dad, uncles and grandpa whenever he had the chance. He enjoyed deer camp and the stories told around the campfire. His true outdoor passion was fishing though, and one of his happiest memories was the big northern pike he caught while canoeing with his dad on a trip to Canada, with his cousin Casey and Uncle Bernie. On one occasion, his eagerness resulted in him hooking his dad in the cheek with a wild cast.
Matt’s mother Karen was his rock, and he loved video calling with her at least once every day to share information about his day and to keep in touch with his family.
For the past two years, Matt shared his life with his girlfriend, Tanya Tatera and her children Collette, Jensen and Viola. They all enjoyed spending time together, laughing, going to the zoo and just being together. Matt was happiest when they were cuddling on the couch watching movies and relished his role as “Bonus Dad”.
Matt had many challenges in his short life, which ultimately took him away from us far too soon. He was thoughtful, had a loving heart, and will be missed by his family and friends.
Matt was preceded in death by his grandmother Mary Ann Burki and his grandfather George S Wenta, and is survived by his parents, Karen ( nee Burki) and Bob, sisters Jacqueline Wenta and Sara (Ben) Jennings, brother Michael Kontz, son Carson Buckhouse, grandmother Kathryn Wenta, grandfather Joseph Burki, uncles Rick (Chris) and Ron (Debbie) Wenta, Jim (Judy), Bill (Colleen), Chuck, Jon, Kurt (Kelley) Burki, and aunts Mary Anderson, Jean (Frank) Bousquet, Joanne (Jeff) Axt, Jennifer (Bernie) Esselman and cousins Scott Hollis, Emily & Samantha Anderson, Brett & Bryce Bousquet, Dustin & Dason Wenta, Deanna (Burki) Mussell and Lisa Burki, Wendy (Axt) Trzebiatowski, Joe, Julia & Jessica Axt, Jessica (Burki) Altis, Joe Burki and Megan (Burki) Kelty, Samantha (Esselman) Franz, Rebecca, Casey, Elli and Madeline Esselman, his girlfriend Tanya Tatera and kids, and many friends who will all miss him tremendously[JB1] .
Matthew, thank you for coming to our house and brightening our lives for 28 years.
