Matthew Grgurich

Matthew Frances Grgurich, age 53, passed away on January 31st, 2020 after a long struggle with kidney disease and congestive heart failure. He was born January 28th, 1967 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Carol Grgurich.

Matt moved with his family to Madison, Wisconsin in 1973 and was typically seen behind his Atari screen, playing D & D with friends or with his nose stuck in a science fiction novel. He was blessed with a brilliant mind and was writing programs and building personal computers long before technology was the norm. Matt graduated from West High School as a National Merit Scholar and went to UW, Madison.

Matt courageously faced many challenges and difficulties in his life, including kidney failure and a successful transplant in 2006. However, in time, his kidney function declined a second time. Nevertheless, with exemplary dedication and will, while receiving dialysis 3 times weekly, he went back to school. While finishing his degree, he was proud to be the CIO of the Wolfpack Techies as well as a supplemental instructor. He graduated in March of 2015 with a 4.0 grade point average.

For the past 5 years, he had been enjoying his job as a Network Engineer at American Family Insurance. He was also cherishing life with his loving wife, Deborah King, doting dog Winston and two busy cats.  He was uniquely able to focus on the joys of his life. Until recently, he would work a full day, often followed by 4 hours of dialysis to arrive home at 10pm, smiling and grateful.  Through it all, Matt never complained

Matt is survived by his loving wife, Deborah King, his daughter Evie, his step-son David Houchins, one grandson, his sisters Paula Bosch, Annie McGrath and Katie Grawe, four nieces, five nephews, as well as many colleagues and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

Visitation will be from 10:00 am - 1:00 pm on Friday, February 7, 2020 at Cress Funeral Service, 3325 E. Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53704 with a funeral service beginning at 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider donations to the UW Health Transplant Program, https://www.uwhealth.org/transplant/make-a-gift-to-support-transplant-and-organ-and-tissue-donation-services/51689 a cause near and dear to Matt and our family.