Matthew Joel Burns

Matthew Joel Burns, 50, of Niles, died July 2, 2025.

His life began September 23, 1974, in Niles, the oldest of two children born to Donald Burns and Merva Zaleski.

Matthew was a graduate of Brandywine HIgh School Class of 1993. He was an avid fan of Penn State and would always watch football games on Saturday. Matthew was a clinical supervisor medical assistant at Corewell Health Lakeland in Niles within the orthopedic surgical office. He previously work at TK in New Carlisle, Home Depot in Mishawaka, Cass County Medical Facility and West Woods of Niles. He was the first person his family would call if they were hurt or needed anything at all, he was always there. Matthew played guitar and vocals in local bands, most recently Erroneous Life. He loved music, especially 80's and 90's rock. Matthew and his brother, Nathan, would work together to build or troubleshoot a variety of things, from cars to home improvement projects. His greatest passion was setting up his family's haunted house that was at his home, Nightmare on 13th and Fulkerson, and has been operating for almost nineteen years. He spent many hours on the lake, between fishing and kayaking, with Carey and Alicia. Matthew was a family man and cherished the time he spent with them.

Matthew will be greatly missed by family and friends. He is survived by his fiance Carey Modlin of Niles; her children, Alex (Zoey Swisher) Jaqua of Niles, Matthew (Ren Anderson) Jaqua of Buchanan; her granddaughter, Amaya; two step-daughters, Dannielle (Jesse) Jaynes of South Bend, Alicia McMillan of Niles; two step-sons, Matthew (Nikki) McMillan of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Austin McMillan of Niles; two brothers, Nathan Burns of Niles, Gabriel Zaleski of Kalamazoo; mother, Merva (James) Zaleski; son-in-law, Lusman (Veronica Diaz) Roblero of South Bend; and two special dogs, Mookie and Journee.

He was preceded in death by his father; his former wife, Carrie Burns; step-daughter, Ashley Roblero; and grandson Stephen Dunifin.

Family and friends will gather Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, 615 East Main Street, Niles, Michigan, 49120. Funeral services will be Thursday, July 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in Summit Church, 1700 West River Road, Niles, Michigan, 49120.

Matthew will be laid to rest in Silverbrook Cemetery.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Halbritter Wickens Funeral Services, Niles. Please share a memory or a message online: halbritterwickens.com.