Matthew G. Kuenstler, age 71, of Louisville, Illinois, passed away Monday afternoon, April 1, 2024, at his home.
He was born July 12, 1952, in Belleville, and was adopted by Lawrence and Lorraine (Buerster) Kuenstler. He was united in marriage to Debra Greenwood on December 4, 1971, in Flora, Illinois, and together they have shared 52 wedding anniversaries.
Matt was a lifelong resident of Clay County and a graduate of Clay City High School. His initial years were devoted to working in the oil field, and he had a lifelong career as a semi-truck driver, always ensuring his trucks were immaculately maintained and polished. A fan of wrestling and Nascar racing, Matt cherished the summers he spent at local racetracks with his friends. Family time was precious to him, especially when it involved attending his grandkids sporting events. He was a devoted member of the Louisville Baptist Church.
He is survived by his wife: Debra Kuenstler of Louisville; 3 children: Jancie (Clint) Kessler of Louisville, Trisha (Zach) Youngblood of Louisville, and Joshua (Megan) Kuenstler of Altamont; grandchildren: Jonathon Cross of Louisville, Janessa (Anthony) Dawkins of Louisville, Brilee Kessler of Louisville, Calli Kessler of Louisville, Jack Compton of Louisville, Mia Compton of Louisville, Eva Youngblood of Hoffman Estates, Max Youngblood of Hoffman Estates, Ethan Kuenstler of Louisville, Isaac Kuenstler of Altamont, Reagan Kuenstler of Altamont, and Emerson Kuenstler of Altamont; great-grandchildren: Nolan, Everly, Layton, and Conner Dawkins, all of Louisville; siblings: Agnes Schoultz of South Carolina, a biological sister: Kathleen Petko of Texas, as well as 2 other biological sisters and 3 biological brothers; and brothers-and-sisters-in-law: Tom (Pat) Greenwood of Flora, Dan (Deb) Greenwood of Flora, Marty (Gena) Greenwood of Flora, and Rod Greenwood of Flora.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his father and mother-in-law: Ranard and Betty Greenwood; a sister: Kathleen Kuenstler; a biological sister; and son-in-law: Nick Compton.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2024, at Louisville Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Orchard Hill Cemetery, Louisville. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Wednesday at the church. Arrangements are by Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora. Memorial donations are suggested to the family to assist with final expenses, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
