Matthew A. Zibell

CAMBRIDGE - Matthew August Zibell, 48 years old, passed away peacefully with his loving parents by his side at home in Cambridge, WI, on November 27, 2023.

Matt was born on March 19, 1975, in Stoughton, WI. At 3 hours old his dad Mike Sr drove baby Matt and a nurse to Madison General for surgery as a result of a rare form of spina bifada. Matt endured countless surgeries and care from Shriners Hospital in Chicago, Mayo in Rochester, Froedtert in Milwaukee, and UW Hospital in Madison. He was a tough little kid and always had a positive attitude. His health care teams throughout his life always commented on Matt’s uplifting perspective.

Matt was a 1995 Cambridge High School graduate. He enjoyed keeping stats as a basketball manager and sang in the choir. Matt and his cousin Kori had a memorable joint graduation party.

Matt loved all sports, especially the Badgers. He enjoyed attending games and watching them on tv. Top highlights included meeting Coaches Greg Gard and Paul Chryst. One time while playing football with his brother Michael Jr and uncle Augie, he broke his arm. He was so proud of his cast.

Matt also loved music. His favorite band was his brother and uncle’s Madison County and he attended countless MC concerts through the years. Matt had a permanent backstage pass and his own personal fan club. Despite his love for Madison County, his favorite concert ever was Carrie Underwood. Mom Vickie got him back stage there too. Other notable musician meetings - Brooks and Dunn, Jake Owen, Big Kenny of Big and Rich, Chuck Wicks, and Lady A.

Matt was also an animal lover. He enjoyed supporting his dad Mike Sr at many weekend horsepulls and with reins in his hands guided a pair of ponies at a fundraising event. Additionally, Matt was a dog whisperer, sharing a special bond with many through the years, namely Fluffy, Baby, Bosco, Murphy, Franklin, Gus, and Shelby.

Matt is survived by parents Mike Sr Zibell and Vickie Lance-Zibell, Cambridge, WI, grandma Betty Zibell, Cambridge, WI, brother Michael (Valerie) Zibell, Waunakee, WI, nieces and nephews Keagen, Peyton, Sabrina, and Jarrett, and many, many loving and adoring cousins, aunts, uncles, and other special extended family and friends. He was predeceased by grandparents Wanda and Stephen Lance and Phillip Zibell. Special thank you to Rainbow Hospice for their care of Matt.

A funeral service will be at 12:00 Noon on Friday December 1, 2023, at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 201 Bue St. Deerfield.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 AM until the service at the funeral home on Friday at Cress Funeral Home in Deerfield.  A burial will follow the service at Deerfield Lutheran Cemetery.

Matt’s incredible spirit inspired all that were blessed to know him. In 2012, his brother wrote the song titled “Perspective” to honor Matt’s inspiring outlook. “I hope whenever things get me down, that I will never lose sight of how to keep things in perspective.” Matt’s legacy will live on as a reminder to us all.

Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

201 Bue Street, P.O. Box 376, Deerfield

(608) 764-5369