Dr. Carl J. “CJ” Metz

Dr. Carl J. “CJ” Metz, age 45, passed away unexpectedly on January 1, 2026.

CJ was born March 26, 1980, in North Platte, Nebraska, to Margaret and David Metz. He attended St. Patrick’s High School, where his early curiosity, determination, and drive were already evident. He went on to pursue his lifelong passion for dentistry and was accepted into the Nebraska Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP), earning one of only two pre-dental scholarships awarded that year. CJ received his Bachelor of Science in Human Biology from Chadron State College and his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry in 2005.

CJ moved to Phoenix, Arizona, in 2005, where he began his dental career and later founded Vibrant Dentistry in 2010. His practice was built on exceptional care, innovation, and meaningful patient relationships. CJ was consistently recognized by his peers as a top general and cosmetic dentist in the Phoenix metro area. He was a Kois Center graduate and, most recently, a member of the 2025 American Academy of Clear Aligners Fellowship Class and a Key Opinion Leader board member.

Outside of dentistry, CJ loved the outdoors, travel, music, art, Husker football, and most of all, his family and friends. Though he lived across the country, his close connection to family never wavered.

CJ will be remembered for his bear hugs, quick wit, compassion, brilliance, and his gift for making people feel included and cared for. His perfectionism, often taken just a bit too far, was part of what made him who he was and something those closest to him smiled about often. Above all, he wanted people to be happy, and if they weren’t, he made it his mission to change that.

CJ is survived by his father, David Metz; his sisters, Katherine Rector (Joshua) and Mary Grace Metz (Robert Miller); and his niece, Lillian Rector. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Metz, and his niece, Abigail Rector.

Because CJ touched so many lives, services will be held in both Arizona and Lincoln, Nebraska.

A Memorial Mass will be held in Arizona on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow at
Corpus Christi Catholic Church
3550 E Knox Rd
Phoenix, AZ

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at North American Martyrs Catholic Church,
1101 Isaac Dr, Lincoln, NE, on Friday, January 23, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow.
For those unable to attend in person, the Lincoln Funeral Mass will be available via live stream through the North American Martyrs website.

Burial services will follow at approximately 2:00 p.m. at
Calvary Cemetery & Mausoleum
3880 L St, Lincoln, NE

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in CJ’s memory to support causes that reflected his heart for service and his passion for dentistry. Donations can be made either directly in his name or entrusted to the family to honor his passions.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Dental Clinic provides essential dental care to individuals and families in need. CJ generously volunteered his time and skills there to help patients who otherwise might not have access to care, and this clinic embodies his belief that oral health should be accessible to all. https://www.stvincentdepaul.net/?form=donate

Donations may also be made to the University of Nebraska College of Dentistry Dental Student Mission Projects Dedicated Fund, which supports dental mission work and outreach. CJ participated in dental mission care, including a service trip to Guatemala, and he always hoped to continue expanding his involvement in mission-based dentistry. Supporting this fund honors his lifelong commitment to service, global outreach, and providing compassionate dental care to underserved communities.
https://secure.nufoundation.org/give?fundid=01174120&sitename=UNMC%20DEN%20Multiple%20Departments&wprefer=https://nufoundation.org/?s=dental+fund

For those who prefer to send donations to the family, they may be mailed to:
Mary Metz
130 East Cherrywood Drive
Lincoln, NE 68510

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.