Born: January 8, 1966 - Deceased: June 16, 2024
Matthew J. Studtmann, 58, of Belleville, IL, born Saturday, January 8, 1966, in Tempe, AZ, passed into heaven on Sunday, June 16, 2024.
At a young age, Matt fell in love with sports. He played football for the Little Devils, baseball for East End Khoury League, and basketball for the Emge Eagles. His Emge teammates became his forever friends.
In 1984, Matt graduated from Belleville West and then headed to the University of Illinois on a football scholarship.
His interest in sports continued in his adult life. For quite a few years, he bowled in a league at Bel-Air, played sand valleyball at Demo’s and played softball at C.K.L of I. and St. Clair. Matt enjoyed his time on the golf course as well.
While outwardly Matt enjoyed these competitions, the lifelong, meaningful friendships formed on these fields and courts are what made his life very full. To many friends, he was known as “Big.” His stature earned him the name initially, but his heart for others contributed to that nickname as well. He was indeed a gentle giant, and he always made time for his friends. His giving ways prompted him to volunteer to teach Sunday School at Peace Lutheran Church where he and his family were members for decades and decades. Matt taught first grade students every Sunday for several years, and his students adored him. He even built a massive ark and dressed as Noah for a special day for all the children. He enjoyed their energy, and he wanted to share his faith and his love of the Lord with little ones.
Family meant everything to Matt. He was a devoted and loving son to his parents. He was an incredible friend and big brother to his sister. And to his niece and nephew, he was everything. He spent quality time with them from the time they were tiny, and he always let them know how important they were to him. He dove into whatever they found interesting. He would spend hours and hours playing with them. As they grew older, he would cheer them on at their sporting events. He could make them laugh like no one else. Grace and Luke always knew if Uncle Matt was involved, there would be laughter, love, and undivided attention.
In his solitary moments, Matt enjoyed working in his yard. He was quite a skilled gardener. Tomato plants were his specialty, and his neighbors lined up for armfuls of Matt’s delicious tomatoes. Combining his appreciative eye for detail and creating with his hands, Matt was talented at sketching and woodworking. He had many gifts, and he delighted in using and sharing these gifts with others.
Not only did he put his heart and soul into his craft, he invested equally in his job as an accounts manager specialist for C.A.B. in Collinsville where he worked for 20+ years.
Matt was hard-working, genuine, compassionate, hilarious, giving, smart, wildly talented, and humble. He made the world a better place by offering kindness to everyone he encountered.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Parents, Ronald M. and Carol J., nee Crawford, Studtmann
- Uncle, David Studtmann
- Aunt, Judy Gerleman
Surviving are his:
- Sister, Heidi (Eric) Klein of Columbia
- Niece, Grace Klein
- Nephew, Luke Klein
- Aunts:
- JoAnn (Tim) Spivey of Waterloo, IL
- Susan Henning of Roswell, GA
- Uncle, Mark (Mary) Studtmann of Belleville, IL
- Forever partner and friend, Lana Schield of St. Louis, MO
- Dear cousins
- Dear friends
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or The Backstoppers Inc.
Visitation: Visitation from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m., Friday, June 21, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
Funeral: Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 p.m., Saturday, June 22, 2024 at Kurrus Funeral Home, with Pastor Mark Wiesner officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View & Memorial Gardens in Fairview Heights, IL.
23 Comments
Prayers for Matt’s family. I was a grade school and highschool friend. Fond memories of Matt
Heidi and family,
My deepest sympathies at your loss. I met Matt even before you and I became teaching partners and friends, when he was in the 6th grade classroom where my student teaching happened. I know that goodness and kindness run deep in your family and that your brother will be deeply missed.
My sincerest sympathy to you, Heidi & your family What an amazing obit. You have so many beautiful memories to cherish
Dearest Heidi, I am so very saddened to hear the news of Matt’s passing. Bridgette and Bailee have fond memories of you and Matt when they were little and attended Sunday School at Peace. I actually have photos of Matt as Noah in front of that incredible Ark. Your family holds a very special in my heart and always will. Praying for peace and comfort and sending a virtual ((hug)).
Your sister in Christ,
Kim Slaton (Vander Pol)
Sympathy & prayers to the Studtmann family. So very sorry for your loss.
To Heidi, the entire Studtmann family, and everyone who knew Matt,
I send my sincerest condolences to all of you.
Hearing about his passing is just incredibly sad and incredibly shocking to me.
He truly was a gentle giant.
Big Matt, I hope Heaven is everything you dreamed it would be.
Rest easy.
Matt was a gentle giant all through high school and beyond. I was sad to hear of his passing. RIP Matt!🙏😇
I am truly in shock and send my deepest sympathy. I’ve known Matt for well over 50 years. He is one of my oldest friends and was always highly respected.
Matt was always such a sincerely sweet guy.
My deepest condolences to Heidi, family, and friends. May God bless you, and give you all strength in this difficult time.
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Studtmann, Heidi & Eric, and family,
My heart is broken and I’m so sorry for your incredible loss. I remember Matt as being such a sweet big brother. May his memory be a blessing always.
Sending you love and hugs and my deepest condolences.
I will always remember Matt as my teammate from West football. Great teammate and friend. He was one big dude, but as friendly as they came.
RIP brother.
Matt was a Great Guy…my thoughts and prayers go out to his family. We played Little Devils football and Khoury league together. He was always the best player on any team he played on. He was that kind of guy. Rest in Peace Matt.
Gregg Healey
Heidi and all of Matt’s family, I am so, so sorry for everyone’s loss. I have a great brother too so I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Sorry you are all having to go through this. I’m thinking of you! 😢🙏🏼❤️
Our sympathies go out to Heidi, your family and Lana. Matt was a great guy and he will be missed.
My most sincere condolences to you and your family. Yet another person here that knew Matt and family most of our lives. We were Little Devils and East End Khoury as well. Matt has been a part of the tapestry and legacy of Belleville and most especially BTHS WEST. I remember him as gentle and very grown up for our age when in high school. Although we did not hang out in the same social circle, I have nothing but fond memories and pride that you represented our school in athletics. No doubt many a teen wanted to be just like you, Matt. R.I.P. You will never be forgotten.
Brenda Nager-Schloemann
Heidi my condolences to you and your family. Im sorry to see and hear about Matt . I pray for peace and comfort for your family during this time .
My sincere condolences to Heidi and everyone who was blessed to have been touched by Matt through his life. I have many fond memories of him growing up. His smile is something I will never forget.
Matt was a dear friend and I always enjoyed our time together-whether it was Demos volleyball or the Elbe’s CF bowling while proudly wearing our bucket hats.
Hugs and prayers to Heidi and her family and all those that loved him like I did.
So sorry to hear this. I remember growing up playing sandlot football with him and our friends in the neighborhood. If he was on the opposing team, you were scared to death because he was so big and strong compared to all the others.
RIP my friend
Dear Heidi, I am so sorry and sad to hear about Matt. So many great memories of your family growing up at Peace Lutheran Church. The obituary was exactly how I remember Matt. A gentle giant. Keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
My condolences, Matt was always a nice person. Knew him from high school His family are all in my thoughts and prayers 🙏❤️
Heidi and Family, My deepest sympathy for the loss of our gentle giant, your GOAT, Matt. He impacted so many lives in his quiet and caring way. I had the privilege of becoming Matt’s friend/coworker at Kassly, et al for 10+ish years. What great times we had and what a joy he was to work with. He will continue to be with you FOREVER in your heart, mind and treasured memories. ❤️🩹
With much love, Patty
(pic from Fall 2023)
I did not know Matt passed away nobody told me. What a wonderful person Matt was is what will always stay in my heart of hearts. This is so hard for me to believe. I loved Matt like a big brother. RIP Matt Heidi if you see this please contact me at puzzlepieces92@ gmail.com I don’t speak to clearly anymore but I can email and text. .
Love
Jaye