Matthew Allen Hobus, 36

On April 21, 2016, Matthew Allen Hobus, 36, “was called home to be with the Lord.”

Matt was born on July 30, 1979, in Lincoln, Nebraska, as the eldest of four sons to proud parents David and Barbara Hobus. His elementary school years were spent in Lincoln at Trinity Lutheran School and in Arlington, Nebraska, at St. Paul’s Lutheran School. In 1993 the family moved to Kalispell, where he attended Trinity Lutheran School and Flathead High School, where he played football, basketball and track.

Matt was a caring and loving son, and he was a brilliant man. He attended college at the University of Montana in Missoula, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in three years. While in college, he worked full time for Baxter Healthcare, made the dean’s list each semester, and paid for his own education.

After college Matt continued to work for Baxter, as he took his first management position in Laramie, Wyoming. Later he transferred to Bellingham, Washington, where he met Joy Elizabeth Langley. Matt then moved to Newport Beach, California, to work as a sales manager for Gateway Computers. In 2006 Matt and Joy were married and he transferred to Sioux City, South Dakota. The newlyweds moved back to Washington in 2007 when Matt took a position as senior sales representative for Vertafore in Bothell, Washington. Matt was finally able to hang up his travel bag in 2011 when he took a home-based position as an account manager selling cross industry modeling and design software for MathWorks.

Although Matt had many career accomplishments, his greatest passion was his relationships with his family. Matt had a unique ability to identify an individual’s strengths. He was always willing to support and encourage a person, helping them realize their dream, and develop their gifts. This was especially true of Matt’s relationship with his brothers. However, his most important relationships were with his wife, Joy, his princess; and his two boys, Wyatt David (born August 2013) and Wesley Matthew (born August 2015), his pride and joy.

While in Washington, Matt enjoyed many hobbies with friends and family. Every summer he could be found crabbing on the waters of Birch Bay, cheering on the Seattle Seahawks in the fall, or tinkering with his classic Mustang cars throughout the rest of the year. He had always dreamed of returning to Montana, God’s country, to hunt, fish, camp, ski, and explore the backwoods with his sons, dad and brothers.

Matt was confirmed in his faith, and Jesus Christ is his personal savior. His family is comforted knowing that “he is home walking eternally with his Redeemer.” He was dearly loved, and will be greatly missed. (Job 19:23-27, NIV)

He was preceded in death by grandparents, the Reverend Doctor Robert Hobus, and James and Mary Kaye.

He is survived by his wife, Joy, and sons Wyatt and Wesley; parents, David and Barbara Hobus; grandmother, Alice Hobus; brother Jacob and fiancee Alexandra; brother Paul, his wife Alyssa and nephew Robert; brother Micah, his wife Melanie and niece Raegan; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Everyone who knew Matt was captivated by his amicable and exuberant personality, whimsical storytelling and kind, selfless and caring heart — this is how he will forever be remembered.

The celebration of Matthew’s life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 30, at The Church at Creston-Lutheran (5447 Montana 35, Kalispell, MT 59901). Immediately following the service, there will be a time of fellowship to share and honor Matt’s memory.

An account has been established for Matt and Joy’s sons, Wyatt and Wesley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Matthew Hobus Memorial Fund at Whatcom Educational Credit Union or checks made out “In Memory of Matthew Hobus.”

The families would like to provide memories of Matt for Wyatt and Wesley to learn about their dad as they grow. If you would like to contribute by sharing a story, memory or picture please send them to Joy’s sister, Jennifer Groen: groencj@gmail.com