Matthew David Schwery was born on June 11, 1980, the son of Dean and Joni (Obrecht) Schwery in Harlan, Iowa. He was baptized and later confirmed his faith at St. Boniface Church in Westphalia, Iowa. Matt graduated from Harlan Community Schools in 1999. Matt dedicated his career to public service and worked as a Senior Building Inspector Supervisor for the City of Aurora, Colorado.
Matt met his now-wife, Kara Chylinski, in Estes Park, Colorado, in 2014. They were married on September 8, 2018, at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where they also made their home. Matt and Kara enjoyed hiking with their two golden retrievers, Charlie and Salvy. They loved skiing, biking, and traveling, including to one of their favorite spots, Cocoa Beach, Florida.
Matt was an avid Kansas City Royals and Chicago Bears fan who rarely missed a chance to cheer on his favorite teams. He found joy outdoors, especially on the golf course, where he could relax, share laughs, and create memories with family and friends. He also enjoyed gardening and took pride in growing vegetables from seed.
A talented woodworker, Matt poured his heart into every project. Over the past several years, he has dedicated countless hours to transforming his and Kara’s house into a home. He left his craftsmanship and personal touch in every room. His creativity and attention to detail made the space warm, full of character, and filled with love.
More than anything, Matt will be remembered for his generous spirit, unwavering love for his family, and the countless memories he created with those fortunate enough to know him. His legacy lives on in the home he built, the lives he touched, and the love he shared so freely.
Matt passed away at home on June 9, 2026, at age 45. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Harold Schwery; maternal grandparents, Dolores and Jerald Obrecht; uncles: Dale Schwery and David Schwery, who died as an infant and whose name Matt proudly carried.
He is survived by his wife, Kara Schwery of Highlands Ranch, Colorado; parents, Dean and Joni Schwery of Westphalia; sisters: Deana Schwery (Brant Gracie) of Lakewood, Colorado and Stacy Small of Woodbine; nieces: Tessa and Aria Small; grandmother, Alice Schwery of Westphalia; mother-in-law, Lorine Chylinski; sister-in-law, Katie (Troy Svigel); nephew, Boden Svigel; brother-in-law, Sean Chylinski; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Visitation with family and friends will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, a St. Boniface Catholic Church in Westphalia. Inurnment will take place in the St. Boniface Cemetery.
In honor of Matt’s love for the Kansas City Royals, Chicago Bears, Iowa Hawkeyes, and the game of golf, the family invites those attending the visitation and Mass to wear their favorite Royals, Bears, Hawkeyes, or golf apparel.
