Matthew S. Perleberg, 67, passed away on June 4, 2026, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born on December 24, 1958, Matt was the third of four children born to Frederick and Josephine (Zaffiro) Perleberg.

From an early age, Matt was the athletic one in the family, always on the move and ready for the next adventure. As a young man, he worked alongside his father helping to complete the family’s vacation home in Legend Lake, Wisconsin, a place where countless cherished family memories were made over the years.

Matt married Sue Machones in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, in 1985. Together they welcomed three children: Michael, Stephanie, and Marcus. The family later moved to New Berlin in the 90’s. Matt was immensely proud of his children and the lives they built as adults. He loved being involved in his children’s activities and could often be found coaching, volunteering, and cheering from the sidelines. He coached his daughter’s Pink Panthers soccer team and numerous AAU basketball teams, supported travel hockey programs, recorded games for team review, and was a devoted supporter of roller hockey, baseball, softball, track and field as well as skateboarding throughout the years.

A proud alumnus of Thomas More High School, Class of 1977, Matt maintained lifelong friendships that meant the world to him. He was especially grateful to recently spend time with several of those friends, a gathering that was both joyful and bittersweet.

After graduating from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire, Matt began his professional career as a cameraman for the local NBC affiliate. He later worked as an insurance adjuster and eventually built a successful career in the workers’ compensation field. During retirement, he enjoyed driving for Honda and Ford dealerships before finding one of his most rewarding roles as a home health caregiver. Matt genuinely enjoyed meeting and helping his clients navigate their health challenges, bringing compassion and humor to those he served.

Matt loved sports and treasured the time he spent with his Uncle Bill watching games and sharing conversations.

In January 2026, Matt was diagnosed with cancer. From that day forward, he fought the good fight with remarkable strength, courage, and grace. Through it all, he never lost his sense of humor. Even in his final days, he continued to make those around him smile and laugh. That was Matt.

While our hearts are broken by his loss, we find comfort in knowing that his struggle is over and that he is now enjoying eternal peace in heaven.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Frederick and Josephine Perleberg; his brother, Mark; and other loved ones who welcomed him home.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Stephanie (Nick Holmes); granddaughter, Halle; beloved son, Marcus; grandson, Myles; his son, Michael, and his family; his loving sister, Joann, and her daughters, Maria and Natalie (Mark Johnson), and grandnephew Jameson and grandniece Bailey; his dear brother, Christopher (Greta); as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

The family extends heartfelt thanks to everyone who reached out during Matt’s illness. Your prayers, messages, and words of encouragement meant so much to him and to all who loved him. We thank the doctors and staff at Froedtert for guiding us through this journey as well as the staff at AngelsGrace Hospice for the support they gave in his final hours to him and his family.

Our family often says, “You done good.” Matt, you done good. You lived with courage, loved deeply, brought joy to so many people, and left this world better than you found it.

Today, we take comfort in imagining him reunited with all those who have gone before him, especially our mom, dad, brother Mark and his dear friend Duane.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, at St. Sebastian Congregation, 5400 West Washington Boulevard, Milwaukee. Visitation will be from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a service at 4:00 p.m. Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather in the church hall to share food, stories, and memories of Matt’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions toward final expenses are appreciated. Any contributions received in excess of those expenses will be donated to Big Brothers Big Sisters, an organization he cared deeply about and was proud to support. https://www.gofundme.com/f/honoring-matt-perlebergs-legacy

Rest in peace, Matt. You will be missed beyond words and loved forever.