Matthew “Bubba” James Stieg, age 56, passed away at his home in Hersey, MI on December 28, 2025, after a courageous battle with metastatic renal cell carcinoma.

He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Beth Ellen (Cookingham) Stieg; two beautiful daughters Marcella Beth Stieg and Ollie Stieg; and his two daughters from his previous marriage, Ashley (Derek) Bennett and Tori Stieg; one grandson Milo Torralva; his parents James and Sharon Stieg; siblings Scott Stieg, Jason (Jennifer) Stieg (his best friend), and Kim (Thomas) Schemmel; and many nieces and nephews.

He was born on March 15, 1969, to James and Sharon (Lindsay) Stieg.  Matt graduated from Reed City High School in 1987 as its Homecoming King and Senior Athlete of the Year.  He loved playing football and basketball.

Farming was in Matt’s blood.  A little boy feeding calves to driving tractor at 10 years old.  Doing chores before school… and afterwards as well.  Matt was also best friend and loyal son to his dad, James Stieg.  Every day Jim would come to pick Matt up and he would help him with hay and all of the many repairs and projects around the farm.  Jim meant the world to him.  Their’s was a special bond that could never be broken.  

Matt’s little brother Jason was also a best friend.  There wasn’t a day gone by that they weren’t together.  Ricky Langworthy was also like a brother to Matt.  Matt, Jason and Ricky were the “3 amigos”.  He would also hug them when they came over and spent time in Matt’s mancave and hugged them when they departed.  One of Matt’s greatest gifts to everyone was love.

His favorite things to do with Jason and Ricky were fishing, hunting, and golfing when he felt well enough.  They took Olivia (Ollie), Matt’s youngest daughter, fishing, both summer and winter.  Ollie and Matt had a very special bond between daddy and daughter.  These memories she will never forget.  He was present for soccer games, baseball games, and everything she did.

Matt’s relationship with Marcella (his daughter with autism) was always kind, loving, gentle, and he always taught Ollie and Marcella to stand up for what they believed in and to be proud of who they are and to live their lives the way they wanted to—not how everyone else thought that they should.  He never missed a volleyball game or a choir concert of Marcella’s.

Laughing was always one of Matt’s greatest joys.  His smile and the way he loved will never be forgotten—or the way we loved him.  Beth and Matt loved each other since High School.

In October 2025, Matt scored a huge buck.  That was the most he ever laughed, smiled, cried, and we always thanked our Lord for His blessings on our family.

Matt would hug and kiss us every morning and every night.  He’d say, “thank Jesus because tomorrow is never promised”.  He touched everyone’s heart one way or another, so please remember that life is too short to stay mad, not forgive, and live each day as if it’s your last.

God Bless You Everyone!  Matthew, you make us want to be better people.  Love you always and forever.

"Beth, Ollie, and Marcella.

I’ve loved you most of my life and always will.

Your loving wife, Beth."