Matthew James Jensen died Tuesday, May 5, 2026, after courageously battling Huntington’s Disease for nearly five years.

The fourth of five siblings, Matt was born on Feb. 1, 1990, in Las Vegas, Nevada, to Jon B. and Linda M. Jensen. Two years later, he and his family moved back to Bountiful, Utah.

As a boy, Matt was quick to take up sports. He was strong and athletic from the beginning. While he played many sports well, he settled in as a soccer player and excelled as a goalkeeper through the end of high school. He played as a four-year starter at Woods Cross High School, where he graduated in 2008. He won the state club championship with La Roca Futbol Club and participated in the Olympic Development Program and RSL Academy. Through soccer he travelled to many states and Argentina. More important than the game were the lifelong friendships he created through soccer.

Matt was known by many for his giant bear hugs. A tall, strong, handsome, smiling, gentle giant, Matt loved making others feel loved and valued. He chose kindness and forgiveness over anger and frustration in every situation.

Following high school, Matt served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Arizona Mesa Mission. His testimony of and faith in Jesus Christ grew as he served there over two years with friends he would cherish the rest of his life.

Ever the example of selfless service, Matt lived with his widowed mother and helped care for his older sister, Jodi, while she fought Huntington’s Disease for 13 years.

He was a proud and loving uncle to seven nieces and nephews.

In recent years, Huntington’s Disease caused Matt’s body to transform into something he didn’t want others to see. He didn’t want pity. He didn’t want tears. He wanted others to live with joy, and he didn’t want to detract from it. Even as he lost his physical ability to play soccer on the pitch or in the backyard, or to throw a frisbee, or to run up in the hills above his home in Bountiful, or to even walk with his customary confidence, he always said he was doing fine.

As a family, we are grateful to know that Matt is now reunited with his late father and sister, who preceded him in death. He is survived by his mother, Linda, and his siblings, Ryan Jensen (Megan), Kelly Lalliss (Scott), and Mark Jensen.

Honoring Matt’s wishes, a celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10:00 a.m. to noon, in the Bountiful Orchard Stake Center at 3599 S Orchard Drive. Casual attire is expected.

Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.