Omaha, NE | The hockey community is shocked to hear of Matt Thurber’s unexpected passing. Having played for the Omaha Lancers, Wisconsin Badgers, Northern Michigan Wildcats, Bakersfield Condors, and coached Omaha youth hockey, Matt has touched the lives of thousands.

Matt Thurber, a native of Beaver Dam, Wisconsin, came to Omaha at age 15 to play hockey for the Omaha Lancers. In 2008, Matt was part of the Lancers team that won the United States Hockey League championship. He led the team that year in assists with 41, and his 14 goals made him the team’s third-leading scorer.

Some people knew him through his work as a financial adviser at Tagge Rutherford Group. Or through golf. Or fishing. Or boating.

Friends and family remember Matt as a happy go lucky, fun and loving person.

Matt leaves behind a wife Lizz and a 1-year old daughter, Sylvie Rae. Lizz is a part of the Dineen-Kucera family who were heavily involved with Omaha youth hockey.

Visitation is at 5 p.m. Friday at Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak Cutler West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, followed by a service at 7 p.m.

The funeral is at 10 a.m. Saturday at St. Robert Bellarmine Catholic Church, 11802 Pacific Street.

There is a go fund me page set up and the goal is to create an education fund for Sylvie, by asking people to simply give $10 for #10. All proceeds generated will be put into an account specifically earmarked to fund Sylvie’s future education.

Go Fund Me Page for #10