Matthew Robert Stengel, 33, of Steamboat Springs, CO passed away Monday, October 17th, 2022. 

Matt was born November 18, 1988 in Decatur, Illinois to Phillip and Donni Stengel. He moved to Springfield, Missouri in 2000 with his family where he attended Cherokee Middle School and graduated from Kickapoo High School.  He attended Colorado Mountain College in Steamboat, Colorado.  

From a young age, he took many family vacations and enjoyed being out in nature. He was a gifted athlete who played youth hockey, football and baseball.  He was always in his happy place surrounded by the mountains where he hiked, mountain biked, snow skied with grace.  He also loved to be on the water be it the ocean, lake or pool.  He spent many hours fishing with his dad and Grandpa Stengel.  

Matt never met a stranger. His motto was “family first.”  He had a tender heart and was always willing to help out his friends. He was a huge fan of Notre Dame football and the Chicago Bears. He made the best guacamole and it was a mandate for him to make it at family gatherings.  He loved music and attending concerts and musical festivals.  Some of his favorite groups included Widespread Panic, String Cheese, Railroad Earth, Van Halen and the Grateful Dead.  

Survivors include his parents, Phillip and Donni Stengel; one sister, Casey Stengel-Smith and her husband, Jordan Smith;  two adored nieces:  Fallon Ann and Teagan Ann Smith;  Grandmother Francis Stengel as well as a many loved aunts, uncles, cousins and dear friends.  

We trust he has been reunited with his Grandfather Dr. Robert Stengel and Grandmommie Dian E. Lytle. 

Matt’s nickname was “Sunshine” because he was a ray of light and always lit up a room.  He will be missed by his family and friends, and we encourage those who knew him to carry on his mission to help others when they need a hand

Services for Matt Stengel will be at 2:00 pm Saturday, November 26, 2022 at Greenlawn Funeral Home East. The family will be having a reception following the service at their home.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to: www.bitofsunshine.org

A life so beautiful deserves a special celebration. Please join us as we honor the life of Matthew Stengel on November 26, 2022 at Casey Stengel-Smith home, Matt’s sister, following the service. While we mourn his loss, this event is designed as a celebration of a life well-lived. Food and drinks will be provided.