Locations
StaffLife Story Funeral Director
matthollebeek@lifestorynet.com
Matt always thought funeral directing seemed to be the way for him to go and he liked the idea of following in father's and his grandfather's footsteps. He grew up on the West Side in a funeral service family and began working at the funeral home as a teenager. After getting his business degree at Hope College Matt went to Mid-America College of Funeral Service. While he was there he furthered his funeral service experience by working in a funeral home in Sellersburg, IN.
As a little boy Matt says he was the kid who'd make other couples say they were never having children. Matt has a twin brother, Dirk, and a sister, Emily. He had fun growing up with his twin brother; he was by nature the instigator of things and then would tease Dirk to follow-through. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School Matt and Dirk went to Hope College together and lived in the same dorm. Matt's been a swimmer since he was eight years old and also is a runner, participating in long distance races like the Old Kent River Bank Run.
After college Matt returned to Grand Rapids and joined the staff at Heritage Funeral Service. About the same time he met a girl from Fremont. Her name was Robin Essebaggers who was his cousin's roommate and lived near where Matt lived in Grand Rapids. You've heard the saying that opposites attract. Well, Robin is the quiet side of Matt and together they make a great couple. They are proud parents of a son, Jack Matthew, born July 13, 2003 and a daughter, Avery Catherine, born February 28, 2006. They are members of Trinity Reformed Church.
In his spare time Matt likes being with his family. He also likes fishing on the big lake at Port Sheldon, Hobie Cat sailing, bow hunting, and spending time at Big Star Lake. Being with family and friends is important to Matt and so is his heritage in funeral service. He knows that all lives gain something special by combining with the meaning of other lives.
As a little boy Matt says he was the kid who'd make other couples say they were never having children. Matt has a twin brother, Dirk, and a sister, Emily. He had fun growing up with his twin brother; he was by nature the instigator of things and then would tease Dirk to follow-through. After graduating from Grand Rapids Christian High School Matt and Dirk went to Hope College together and lived in the same dorm. Matt's been a swimmer since he was eight years old and also is a runner, participating in long distance races like the Old Kent River Bank Run.
After college Matt returned to Grand Rapids and joined the staff at Heritage Funeral Service. About the same time he met a girl from Fremont. Her name was Robin Essebaggers who was his cousin's roommate and lived near where Matt lived in Grand Rapids. You've heard the saying that opposites attract. Well, Robin is the quiet side of Matt and together they make a great couple. They are proud parents of a son, Jack Matthew, born July 13, 2003 and a daughter, Avery Catherine, born February 28, 2006. They are members of Trinity Reformed Church.
In his spare time Matt likes being with his family. He also likes fishing on the big lake at Port Sheldon, Hobie Cat sailing, bow hunting, and spending time at Big Star Lake. Being with family and friends is important to Matt and so is his heritage in funeral service. He knows that all lives gain something special by combining with the meaning of other lives.
