51 of Kearney, passed away on Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, at Kearney Regional Medical Center. He was born on Nov.

28, 1973, in Broken Bow, to Greg and Tammy (Neben) Johnson.

He attended school at District 44R for kindergarten

through sixth grade at Buffalo, then junior high through high school in Callaway. Matt participated in every sport, was a part of 4-H, and was crowned homecoming king. He graduated from Callaway High school with the class of 1992.

During Matt's sophomore year of college, he became wheelchair bound as the result of an accident. This, however, didn't stop him from anything. He moved back home to Oconto, where he became an assistant coach in Callaway. Matt worked at a Lexington daycare, taking care and playing with the kids as well as being a student teacher for Kearney Catholic High School. Matt would later go on to receive his teaching degree at the University of Nebraska-Kearney and began teaching and coaching for Kearney Catholic High School.

Matt loved being outdoors, going out fishing, deer hunting and helping his family out on the farm. He enjoyed roping and working with cattle and horses. He excelled at playing cards and his game of choice was always Texas hold’em. Family was incredibly important to Matt, caring for them deeply and always being around to help whenever they needed anything. He also held a special place in his heart for the students that he's taught and coached throughout the years.

Those left to honor his memory are his parents, Greg and Tammy Johnson of Oconto; his sister, Marci (Mike) McNulty of Syracuse, Utah; grandmother, Sherill Neben of Callaway; uncles, Marvin (Linda) Johnson of Broken Bow, Darrel (Chris) Johnson of Oconto, and Mike (Robyn) Neben of Omaha; cousins, Kelli (Nate) Eilers of O'Neill, Heather (Ryan) Zimmer of Omaha, Heath (Linsey) Johnson of Lexington, Jason Vig of Holdrege, Kim (Mindy) Ryan of Kearney, Blake (Amber) Neben of Lincoln, Seth (Anna) Neben of Gretna, and Lauren Neben of Lincoln; as well as extended family, many friends, and beloved students.

Matthew was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ed (Edna) Johnson and Ron Neben; aunts, Terri Knott and Glenda Johnson; cousin, Kristie Johnson.

Funeral services were on Thursday, Jan. 16, at the Callaway Community Center with Pastor Victor Rasmussen and Ken Pitkin officiating. Interment was at the First Lutheran Church Cemetery at Buffalo.

Memorials are kindly suggested to St. Jude Children's Hospital or to the family for later designation.

Timm-Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Callaway is honored to be assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com