Matthew Scott Essenburg, age 41 of Grand Haven, passed away on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, at his home, surrounded by his family. He was born December 26, 1981, in Zeeland, MI, the son of Scott and Joy (Hanse) Essenburg. Matthew married Jennifer Bares on September 1, 2007, in Grand Haven.
Matthew graduated from Hamilton High School. He received his Bachelor’s degree from Grand Valley State University, and later received his Juris Doctorate from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2015. He was employed from 2005 until 2017 as a Credit Specialist for Huntington National Bank in Holland. Since 2017, Matthew has been a Corporate Attorney (Associate Council) for Tyton Holdings, Inc.
Matthew was a member of the Michigan Bar Association, the Ottawa County Bar Association, the Grand Rapids Bar Association, and the Association of Corporate Counsel. He was also a member of Grand Haven Aviation Association and enjoyed volunteering for all their activities.
Family was a very important part of Matthew’s life. He will be loving remembered by his wife, Jennifer Bares; his children, Kellel “Kell” Bares Essenburg and Cosette “Coco” Bares Essenburg; parents, Scott and Joy Essenburg; brother, Josh (Tracy) Essenburg; grandmother, Philia Essenburg; parents-in-law, Earle and Cindy Bares; sister-in-law, Stephanie (Jimmy) Graydanus; and nieces and nephew.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Gathering for Matthew will take place on Saturday, May 13, 2023, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Klaassen Family Funeral Home. A private interment will be held at Grand Haven Township Historic Cemetery.
Due to allergies, in lieu of flowers, Memorial Contributions may be made to a fund established for his children in care of Jennifer Bares. Please make checks out to Jennifer Bares.