Matthias “Matth” Toebben, a Northern Kentucky builder, developer and philanthropist whose influence helped shape the region’s construction industry and business community, died Aug. 3 at age 95.
In a statement announcing the loss, the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky praised Toebben’s decades of leadership and service. According to the community announcement, Toebben built a company that became one of the Greater Cincinnati area’s largest commercial real estate owners and developers while also constructing nearly 1,000 luxury homes across the region.
Born outside the United States and arriving in America with $10 and no English-language skills, Toebben built a career that grew into Toebben Companies. The association said his
work reflected a commitment to entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and community involvement.
Within the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, Toebben served two terms as president and received several of the organization’s highest honors. Those awards included Builder of the Year, the Community Service Award and the Donald M. Wiedeman Lifetime Achievement Award.
A legacy in construction and community service
The association said Toebben’s impact extended beyond homebuilding and commercial development.
Over the years, Toebben served on civic and business boards, was named Northern Kentuckian of the Year and received an honorary degree from Thomas More University. According to the announcement, he also supported scholarship programs, workforce-development initiatives, disability-service organizations, housing groups and other charitable causes throughout Northern Kentucky.
Organizations that benefited from his philanthropy included Holy Cross High School, Thomas More University, Gateway Community & Technical College, Redwood Rehabilitation Center, New Perceptions and Welcome House.
The association also described Toebben as a longtime advocate for economic development, housing and public policies intended to support future generations and regional growth.
Industry leader remembered for personal impact
Brian Miller, executive vice president of the Building Industry Association of Northern Kentucky, reflected on Toebben’s influence, calling him "larger than life" and one of the community's greatest leaders and champions.
“During the many meetings I had the privilege of attending with him, it was remarkable to watch what happened whenever we entered a restaurant, business or public gathering," Miller said. "Although we had come to meet together, people from every corner of Northern Kentucky would stop to shake his hand, thank him, and tell him how he had helped them, their family or their community."
The association extended condolences to Toebben’s family, including John, Bill, Susan, Diane, Elizabeth and Pat Runge.
Funeral and memorial information
Visitation is scheduled from 4 to 7 p.m. Aug. 9 at Linnemann Funeral Home, 1940 Burlington Pike, Burlington.
A funeral Mass is scheduled for 10 a.m. Aug. 10 at St. Joseph Church, 2474 Lorraine Court, Crescent Springs.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Cross High School Academic Enhancement Program, 3617 Church St., Covington, KY 41015.
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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Builder, philanthropist Matth Toebben remembered in Northern Kentucky
