Born: May 15, 1960 - Deceased: February 15, 2021
Matthew “Matt” E. Berens, 60 of Belleville, IL, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2021. He passed away from a sudden heart attack in his sleep. It was not our time on Earth for Matt to leave us but God had other plans.
Matt was such a thoughtful, selfless and loving partner to his soul mate Alecia, as well as an amazing father to his daughter Jessi and son Mitch. A loving brother to his sister Michelle Beck, his late sister Mitzi Berens and sister in laws Alanna Askins and Andrea Silver. Matt was his mother’s only son and an amazing son he was. and the best grandpa to his only grandson Avery. Matt was an amazing uncle, brother in law, cousin and will be missed by many friends and extended family.
Matt entered the Air Force in 1978 and retired as a First Sargeant, Master Chief.
He was an active member Ainad Temple. Matt served as a Chief Aide for two years and Chief of Staff for one year at Ainad. Matt belonged to several Clubs and Units serving as President of Belleville Shrine Club and Ainad Directors Staff. He enjoyed riding his Harley, playing pool, spending time with friends and family. His love of riding motorcycles started young and now the heavenly winds will forever be at his back.
Matt was preceded in death by his:
- Father: Arthur Berens
- Sister: Mitzi Berens
He is survived by his:
- Bride: Alecia
- Mother: Nellie Berens
- Daughter: Jessicca Mendiola
- Grandson: Avery
- Son: Mitchell
- Bonus daughter: Laura Sutton (Gregg)
- Children: Xavier and Axle
- Sister: Michelle Beck (Robert)
- Nieces and nephew
- Sarah Lacina
- Great Niece: Lilli Autumn
- Catie Lacina (Matt)
- Alex (Jessica) Lacina
- Sarah Lacina
- Half brothers
- Michael Berens (Marie)
- Mark Berens (Cathy)
- Half sister: Mary Beth Morski (Frank)
Memorials: In Lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children.
Visitation: Visitation from 3:00 – 8:00 pm, Thursday, February 25, 2021 at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL. Directors Staff walk-through will be held at 7:20 pm followed by a Masonic service at 7:30pm on Thursday February 25, 2021.
COVID-19 restrictions will be followed, masks required, and social distancing. Please be respectful of time and do not linger so others may pay their respects to the family.
Funeral: Funeral procession will leave at 9:30 am from Kurrus Funeral Home for a 9:45 am Mass of Christian Burial on Friday, February 26, 2021 at St. Augustine of Canterbury-Belleville, IL with Msgr Bill McGee officiating. Interment will follow at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery with Honors.
11 Comments
Matt was a trusted Leader of Men and Women, serving our country in Air Force “Blue”. He was very proud of his service to our nation, just as we were of him, and his strong dedication to duty. Of course, he was a great humanitarian, continuously giving back to our community. He was everything all of us wished we could be. I know that he loved Alecia and his family very much. He talked often about Alecia, and shared endless happy photos of their good times together. I too, was shocked and saddened by the news of his passing so unexpectedly. I’m proud to have known Matt as a “Brother in-Arms” through our time in the Air Force, and I also had the opportunity to see Matt tirelessly in action, during our civilian jobs at Scott AFB. I‘ll miss his warm and smiling face. Go make a place for us in heaven Brother… we look forward to seeing again! With Greatest Respect, Mike Doolin
Alecia, I am so sorry. I know what a great loss this is. Just know I am thinking of you and your family. My prayers are with you.
Matt, go rest brother. Be at peace. There are many bright lights in this world, you where one of them. I will miss you. Your friendship meant the world to me. Rest my brother, we have the watch. I am really going to miss you.
We love you Alecia and family and are so very sorry for your loss . You are in our hearts and Prayers!
Praying for you, Mytch and family for peace. So sorry for your loss. Love you Mytch.
Mitch,
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Carla and Ken Hanvey
( Lindsays Mom and Dad)
I am so very sorry for your loss. Matt was one of the kindest and most caring individuals I’ve ever known. I served with him at the 954th RSS and count it a tremendous honor and blessing to call him friend. His passion and commitment to lead Airmen and serve his nation was second only to the love, pride, and fondness he had, and frequently expressed, about his family. Thank you for sharing Matt with the world and my deepest condolences and prayers to you all.
Dear Alecia,
John and I are so sorry to hear of the passing of Matt. May God Bless Matt, you and your family during this most difficult time. We Love You and want you to know that we grieve with all of you. We only had the pleasure of being with the both of you a few times but we enjoyed every minute. Matt was kind and fun to be around and I know he will continue to watch over all of you.
With Much Love,
John and Christy Owens
Matt was an honorable man and amazing husband to Alecia. He will be dearly missed by all. What I loved about him most, was his love and honor to Alecia. Thank you Matt for making her the happiest woman on earth, and she will one day be at your side once again. Make room up there for all our us, in the meantime- we will take care of your beautiful bride.
Jessicca – I am very sorry for your loss. Take care.
Dear Alecia and Family,
My sincere condolences on the sudden loss of your husband Matt.
Diva, you are in my prayers, take care and br safe.
Your Diva friend,
Maureen