Matthew "Matt" E. Gesell

Matthew “Matt” E. Gesell, age 43 of Mattoon, IL sadly passed away on Monday, January 19, 2026, at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO. A funeral mass in his honor will be held at 10:00 AM, Monday, January 26, 2026, at The Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 320 N. 21st Street, Mattoon, IL 61938. A committal service will immediately follow in Calvary Cemetery. The visitation will be held Sunday, January 25, 2026, from 1:00 PM until 3:00 PM at Mitchell-Jerdan Funeral Home, 1200 Wabash Avenue, Mattoon, IL 61938. A vigil Rosary service will be performed prior to the visitation at 12:45 PM at the funeral home. Matt was born on December 13, 1982, in Champaign, IL to the Melvin “Mel” E. and Rose M. (Bly) Gesell. He is survived by his parents; two brothers, Christopher Stewardson and wife Carmen of Killeen, TX, Mark Gesell and wife Laura of Mattoon, IL; two sisters, Dawn Reed and husband Mike of Windsor, IL, Beverly Bryson and husband Tim of Mattoon, IL; numerous nieces and nephews: Jessica Vaughn (Robert), Josh Richardson, Ali Kingery (Kyle), Robert Bryson (Shelby), William Bryson, Brittany Kal (Charles), Collin Stwardson, Kyle Gesell, Shelby Gesell; great nieces and nephews: Tayven, Zayden, Lincoln, and Huxton Vaughn, Mila Richardson, Jayden, Annah, Ruger, and Emmie Kingery, Bella and Cameron Kal; aunts and uncles, Ronnie and Connie Gesell and Steve and Ellen Colbert. Matt was a devout member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church who attended faithfully with his parents and enjoyed singing hymns. He was outgoing and sociable; Matt truly never met a stranger. He loved traveling, especially to the beaches in Florida followed by a sweet treat from his ice cream shop, Orange Octopus. Matt loved music and television sitcoms. After twenty-one years of working at CCAR Day Program, Matt made many treasured memories and wonderful friendships. He flourished while attending Camp New Hope and participating in the Special Olympics. He excelled in the events of swimming, rowing, bowling, and golf ball throwing. He leaves a legacy of being a wonderful son, brother, and friend. Matt will be remembered for his uplifting spirit, bright smile, and loving nature. Memorials in his honor may be made to Camp New Hope, 1364 County Rd 100 E, Neoga, IL 62447 or Special Olympics Illinois, 605 E. Willow St., Normal, IL 61761, CCAR Industries, 1530 Lincoln Avenue, Charleston, IL 61920. Please visit www.mitchell-jerdan.com or www.facebook.com/mitchelljerdanfuneralhome to light a virtual candle in his honor or share a memory with the family.

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Matthew "Matt" E. Gesell

December 13, 1982 - January 19, 2026